396 Scientific Intelliyence, ^'c. 



rassing occupation. A taste for chemical research had also, no 

 doubt, its influence upon his determination. 



In private life, Dr. Henry had qualities calculated to excite and 

 to rivet esteem and admiration. His conversation was peculiarly 

 attractive and insinuating. Pregnant with varied and extensive 

 information, he knew how to impart it in the most alluring manner. 

 His anecdotes, of which he had a copious selection, were always aptly 

 introduced, and felicitously narrated. Intended to enliven or to 

 illustrate at the time, they generally left upon the memory impres- 

 sions worthy of subsequent reflection. He was a master of the 

 science of conversation. He was never overbearing or dogmatical ; 

 and no one, how humble soever his talents, was in private intercourse 

 made to feel an inferiority, except by a silent comparison, which was, 

 in many cases, almost unavoidable. He never appeared to speak for 

 the purpose of display. He always seemed to talk for others, not for 

 himself. He was always anxious to inspire the most difladent with 

 confidence. He had no repulsive airs, but many admirable graces ; 

 and no one, it is believed, ever enjoyed his conversation without 

 feeling that, high as was his reputation, it aifor^ed a very inadequate 

 estimate of his merits. It might justly be said of him, in the words 

 of an eloquent statesman, that " he was the life and ornament of 

 polished society." 



In all the relations of private life he was most exemplary. As far 

 as the writer can judge, no man was more highly regarded and more 

 warmly beloved by his relatives. The combination of kindness with 

 mental superiority was his most marked characteristic ; and it attached 

 to him every one who came within the sphere of its influence. 



Occupying a splendid establishment, he displayed commensurate 

 hospitality. He was particularly distinguished for the liberal and 

 active patronage which he readily afforded to those aspirants in 

 science who attracted his attention. In such cases, he required no 

 solicitation. The encouragement was on his part spontaneous. It 

 was the emanation of his nature. When he formed a favourable 

 opinion, he was very unlike an ordinary patron. His kindness never 

 ebbed and flowed. It was always equable. Any one who tried to 

 deserve it might calculate upon it, at any time, with absolute cer- 

 tainty. He not only possessed high talents himself, but he was 

 almost a creator of talent in others. The younger members of the 

 Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester will deeply lament 

 the loss of him who peculiarly encouraged and stimulated their 

 earliest efforts. That association will, in all its ramifications, mourn 

 the absence of him who has been " as water which was spilt upon 

 the ground, which cannot be gathered up again." 



Dr. Henry has conspicuously shewn that a due and regular atten- 

 tion to business, is not incompatible with very high success in science. 

 Soon after the termination of his collegiate education, he delivered 

 in Manchester, several courses of lectures on Chemistry. These lec- 

 tures were illustrated by a very expensive apparatus, and contained 

 experiments of a very highly interesting character. The notes of 

 these courses ultimately led to the publication of a small volume on 

 the science, which has, in successive editions, gradually become a 

 detailed and excellent treatise on the subject. This work has long 



