86 Biographical Account of [Avé, - 
which he determined with accuracy the real properties of the metal 
and of its compounds; and from a comparison with these he ascer- 
tained that the volatile oxide belonged to another metal (osmium), 
which he also obtained in a state of purity. 
The analysis of crude platina presented, perhaps, some of: the 
greatest difficulties with which chemistry had ever yet ventured to 
contend, Besides affording traces of several of the known metals, 
the ore contained, in very minute quantities, four new metallic 
elementary bodies, whose existence was previously unsuspected, and 
whose respective characters were to be distinguished before the 
separate nature of the bodies could be ascertained. Dr. Wollaston 
and Mr. Tennant, who were employed upon this ore at the same 
time, and whose habits of friendly intercourse led them to commu- 
nicate freely with each other during the progress of their experi- 
ments, gave proofs of their great sagacity by completely solving 
this problem; Mr. Tennant in the manner already described, and 
his friend by the discovery of the two metals called Palladium and 
Rhodium. 
On the 80th of November, 1804, Mr. Tennant had the honour 
of receiving the Copley medal, which was conferred on him by the 
Royal Society for his various Chemical Discoveries. 
—=ii = 
About the year 1805 and 1806 Mr. Tennant made two journies 
during successive summers into Ireland; going and returning on 
both occasions by Scotland, in order to abridge as much as possible 
the sufferings attendant on a sea voyage. In the course of these 
journies he visited most parts of Ireland which possess any attrac- 
tion for a traveller, and had the advantage of viewing the Giant’s 
Causeway, in company with Dr. Wollaston, whom he met by a 
fortunate accident in the north of Ireland during one of these - 
tours. 
His attention, however, was not confined to scientific objects 3 
for he made many remarks on the agriculture, manufactures, and 
general state of Ireland. He was particularly struck with the vast 
population of the country, compared with that of Scotland, through 
which he had lately passed, and even with the average population 
of England. The backward state of its improvement and cultiva- 
tion, considering its various resources, and the natural fertility of 
the soil, presented other objects of contrast, which could not fail 
to interest him. His attention was naturally led to the causes of 
this inferiority ; but to enter into his opinions on this important 
subject, would require a wider field of discussion than is consistent: 
with the limits of the present narrative. One observation, how- 
ever, selected from many others, which is strongly marked with his 
characteristic liberality and good sense, may perhaps deserve to be 
mentioned. His curiosity had led him to inquire into the state of 
education among the lower Irish Catholics, and he was much struck 
