268 MEMOIR OF BR. DALTON, AKD 



although at the same time he seems to have worked as con- 

 stantly as ever, retaining the original habits but not display- 

 ing the original vigor. To work too long in one vein seems 

 to be highly injurious, as the vein narrows the labour increases 

 in greater proportion than the yield, and it is better for us to 

 return to the main centre of the mine, leaving the distant 

 veins to be worked out when the approaches shall have 

 gradually become easier. 



In 1830, the Academy of Sciences at Paris elected him 

 foreign associate, in the place of Davy. Of this addition to 

 his scientific rank in that society, he was unreservedly proud. 

 As if his own country were constantly to be behind in his 

 recognition, we find that in the year 1832, Oxford elected 

 him doctor of civil laws. This title of D.C.L., given at the 

 recommendation of Dr. Daubeny, was one which he seldom 

 omitted after his name ; the simplicity of his mind did not 

 allow him at all to disguise the pleasure with which it was 

 viewed. 



Being now advanced in years, his friends were anxious to 

 secure for him an age less laborious than his life had been. 

 With small means, he had still saved some money, but too 

 little for the support of his declining strength during the 

 years of his probable life. We are told by Dr. Henry, that 

 Mr. Babbage first suggested the propriety of applying to 

 government for a pension, whilst Mr. Geo. W. Wood and Mr. 

 Poulett Thomson were most active in obtaining it. 



Dr. Henry informs us that the first answer the Lord Chan- 

 cellor gave was, that he " was anxious to obtain some provision 

 for him, but that it was attended with great difficulty." This 

 is an expression at which we cannot be too much astonished, 

 but there is no doubt of its truth, even if it did not sound 

 highly probable. Were there so many superior men pressing 

 on the treasures of the country that it was difficult to obtain a 

 pittance for Dalton ? The same defect again shows itself, there 

 is no spontaneous movement, but every man must thrust himself 



