174 A Tribute to the Memory of [Sept. 



customary walks, and was oppressed by feelings which induced 

 him to look forwards to the close of life, with the certainty of 

 its near approach, but with calm and dignified resignation. The 

 event which he had anticipated, took place on June 18, 1816, 

 when he had nearly completed his 82d year. 



In estimating the intellectual character and attainments of the 

 subject of this memoir, it is proper to revert to a period several 

 years remote from the present, but still within the perfect recol- 

 lection of many to whom these pages are addressed. At that 

 time, the quality of Mr. Henry's mind, which was perhaps most 

 conspicuous, was a readiness of apprehension that enabled him 

 to acquire knowledge with remarkable facility. To this was 

 joined a quickness in his habits of association, peculiarly fitting 

 him to perceive those analogies which in chemical investigations 

 were chiefly relied upon as leading to the discovery of truth 

 before it was sought to be established on the firmer basis of an 

 accurate determination of quantities and proportions. Without 

 claiming for Mr. Henry the praise of great original genius, we 

 may safely assert for him a very considerable share of that 

 inventive talent which is commonly distinguished by the term 

 ingenuity. This was especially displayed in the neatness and 

 success with which he adapted to the purposes of experiment 

 the simple implements that chance threw in his way ; for it may 

 be proper to observe that, at no period of his life, was he in 

 possession of a well-furnished laboratory, or of nice and delicate 

 instruments of analysis or research. With these qualifications, 

 he united a degree of ardour in his pursuits which enabled him 

 to triumph over obstacles of no trivial amount. And when it is 

 considered that his investigations were carried on not with the 

 advantages of leisure, ease, and retirement, but amidst constant 

 interruptions, and with a mind harassed by frequent and painful 

 anxieties, it will be granted that he accomplished much more 

 than might have been expected from one so little favoured by 

 external encumstances. 



The acquirements of Mr. Henry were not limited to that 

 science in winch he obtained distinction. It was the habit of 

 his mind, when wearied by one occupation, to seek relief not in 

 indolent repose, but in a change of objects. In medical know- 

 ledge, he kept pace with the improvements of his time, and he 

 occasionally, by original publications,* contributed to its advance- 

 ment. He had a share of general information, and a flow of 

 animal spirits, that rendered him an instructive and agreeable 

 companion. To the rich sources of enjoyment which are opened 

 by the productions of the fine arts, he was extremely sensible, 

 not so much from an acquaintance with critical rides, as from a 

 natural susceptibility of those emotions, which it is the object of 

 the poet and the artist to excite. He had acquired, by the 



* Chiefly in (he periodical journals, and in the transactions of some medical 

 societies to which he belonged. 



