the late Samuel Parkes, Esq. 9 



chism had induced the principal literary societies of both 

 hemispheres to present him with their diplomas, and to elect 

 him one of their members : the Government of Spain had 

 ordered it to be used in the schools and colleges ; and, in tes- 

 timony of his approbation of it, the Autocrat of the Russias 

 presented its author with a sj)lendid and valuable ring. 



The preparation of the twelfth edition for the press was the 

 last avocation of its author. Although his body had for months 

 been fast sinking beneath the constant attacks of a long and 

 painful disease, which the foreboding fears of his friends too 

 truly predicted must at length terminate fatally, yet his mind, 

 unwearied and indefatigable as ever, preserving in full force 

 its characteristic activity and diligence, was sedulously em- 

 ployed in the revision and improvement of its favourite pro- 

 duction. The same anxiety to collect and insert all newly- 

 discovered facts, all recent improvements in the science to 

 which he had so long devoted his time and energies ; the same 

 ardour of research, and attentive examination of every source 

 whence he expected to derive useful information, were pos- 

 sessed by him during the performance of this last work as they 

 ever had been whilst in the full enjoyment of bodily health, nay, 

 existed in full force till within a few days of that fatal moment 

 when the scientific Avorld was for ever deprived of his talents 

 and acquirements, and his friends were left to deplore the loss 

 of an aifectionate relative, a sincere friend, and interesting 

 companion. 



For several years preceding his death he had been collecting 

 and arranging materials for a work, the composition of which 

 he had long contemplated. He entitled it, "A History of 

 the Discoveries in the several branches of Natural Philosophy, 

 Astronomy, and Chemistry ; including an account of the intro- 

 duction of the various kinds of chemical apparatus, and the 

 invention of all philosophical, nautical, and astronomical instru- 

 ments, from the beginning of the Christian aira to the present 

 time, affording a general view of the progress of Science and 

 Literature during that period." It is to be regretted that he 

 did not live to complete it, as such a subject in his hands 

 must have proved a valuable acquisition to those who delight 

 in tracing the gradual but regular advances of knowledge. 



