400 Addresses delivered at the Commemoration 



In reverting to Dr. Priestley, allow me to say that it was he who, in 

 the early period of my life, brought me to consider the nature and 

 the properties of the gases. It was from him, from reading his 

 books, that I first formed the apparatus and the arrangement of my 

 own laboratory. I was delighted with the simplicity of his appa- 

 ratus, because I found in it so much facility and assistance. If I 

 wanted hydrogen, or oxygen, or any one of the forms of gas that 

 are useful in the laboratory, by Dr. Priestley's apparatus I was put in 

 possession of it. It will always occur to any mind that loves science 

 that certain improvements may be brought forward in arrangement ; 

 but the simplicity of Dr. Priestley's laboratory engaged the attention 

 of all. His pneumatic trough, his arrangements for the preparation 

 of every gas that I could speak of, were simplicity itself. It is true 

 there may be additions made to the comforts of a laboratory, but, at 

 the same time, the foundation was laid by Priestley ; and I always 

 think of his experiments with pleasure. As science advances, different 

 improvements may take place : man is not contented with any ope- 

 rations, or any experimental researches, unless he attains to some 

 sort of perfection in them. If we look with discerning eyes on the 

 transactions of society, everything shows us that man is an im- 

 proving being ; — that he is always going on from one thing to an- 

 other, in the discovery of what is useful and necessary. Man is one 

 of the humble instruments in the hands of Divine Providence for 

 showing forth the wonders of His works ; for, after all, what are we 

 and the best results of our researches intended for, but to bring out 

 His great truths, and show His power, and His ascendancy? — 

 and he, perhaps, who is the best observer is the best worshipper. I 

 return you thanks for the honour you have shown me in coupling 

 my name with that of the London Institution. I certainly did take 

 a very active part in the formation of that useful establishment ; 

 perhaps no man ever gave more of his attention to any object 

 than I did to that; and I trust I shall always feel a pleasure in 

 doing what may be within my power to forward the interests of 

 science. 



The meeting was subsequently addressed by the President, to the 

 following effect : 



It must be to all of us a source of gratification that we have on 

 the present occasion the company of the grandson of the distinguished 

 individual on whose account we have this day assembled. The feel- 

 ings of this meeting with respect to his grandfather, his descendant 

 will no doubt be exceedingly pleased to witness. I have no doubt, 

 therefore, that you will cordially unite with me, if it were on no 

 other account than with reference to his worthy grandfather, in 

 drinking with me his health and prosperity. I therefore propose 

 the health of Mr. John Finch. 



Mr. Finch returned thanks in the following words : 



Gentlemen, I can truly say that this is the happiest day of my 

 life ; for I have now heard commemorated, in the addresses which 

 have been made to you, the merits of my grandfather. I cordially 



