82 Biographical Account of 



force of reasoning superior to what they appeared suscep- 

 tible of, to assent to the true theory. He discovered also 

 telluretted hydrogen and ^esqui-phosphuret of hydrogen 

 about the same time, and broached the now generally 

 received theory of the composition of fluoric acid. He also 

 demonstrated the composition of boracic acid. In short, 

 he was indefatigable in his exertions; "except when I 

 resolve to be idle for health's sake," he observes in a letter 

 to his mother, " I devote every moment to labours which 

 I hope will not be wholly ineffectual in benefiting society, 

 and which will not be wholly inglorious for my country 

 hereafter ; and the feeling of this is the reward which will 

 continue to keep me employed." 



When he was appointed to the Royal Institution he gave 

 up the medical profession, but in consequence of the mode- 

 rateness of his income there, he began to think of gradu- 

 ating, and actually entered his name at Cambridge, and kept 

 some terms there with the view of engaging in medical prac- 

 tice as a physician. But his love of science was superior to 

 the prospect of fortune, and he accordingly gave up entirely 

 this idea. In 1810 and 1811, he was twice invited to 

 give lectures at Dublin. His popularity was then at its 

 height ; his audiences were overflowing ; his success was 

 complete. 



On the 5th of December, 1811, the Dublin society pre- 

 sented him with £750 as a remuneration for his labours. At 

 the same time the degree of LL.D. was conferred on him 

 by Trinity College, Dublin. 



During all these flattering attentions he never forgot his 

 relations, and the letters which he wrote to his brother and 

 mother, which have just been published, do honour to his 

 heart. But it would be erroneous to conclude, that be had 

 no failings, and that these successes did not in some mea- 

 sure carry evil along with them. The splendid atomic doc- 

 trine of Dalton was treated* by him at first slightingly. 

 The evidence of Drs. Thomson and Wollaston is on record 

 to prove this. Why should Dr. Davy attempt to call 

 in question the correctness of their statements? He says, 

 that his brother *• never thought lightly of any of his (Dr. 

 Dalton's) views." How the art that he ridiculed Dalton's 

 views can be reconciled with this statement it is not 



