CAVENDISH. 1 



of furniture, but filled with all sorts of chemical instruments. 

 In one corner is a furnace, the embers of which still glow ; 

 proving that the operator has recently been there. On a 

 large table in the centre of the room is an electrical machine ; 

 by the side of it a Leyden battery, and a curious instru- 

 ment of thick glass, known at this present time by the desig- 

 nation of i Cavendish's eudiometer.' But the most striking 

 feature in the apartments is the large number of thermometers 

 which hang upon the walls. - Examining the thermometers 

 more narrowly, we discover in them a peculiarity of construc- 

 tion. Their frames bear traces of home manufacture. We 

 see none of the neatly cut figures that appear on the ther- 

 mometer scales of philosophical-instrument makers, but their 

 scales are roughly engraved. Evidently no mere amateur has 

 done this, but one who, desirous of having his instruments 

 correct, has known how to make them for himself. This is 

 evidently a chemist's domain ; but we look in vain for the 

 chemist. No one is there. 



Wandering along in our visit of exploration, we ascend 

 a flight of stairs, and at length witness some signs of human 

 habitation. One sitting-room, meagrely furnished, and one 

 bed-room 110 more. But perhaps the owner of the mansion, 

 whoever he may be, prefers to live one flight higher. We 

 ascend again, to find ourselves mistaken. All this portion of 

 the house has been converted into an astronomical observa- 

 tory, two rooms only excepted, the furniture of which suf- 

 ficiently indicates their use. They belong respectively to 

 the family domestics, a female housekeeper and a footman. 

 Softly ! we hear a noise in the observatory, and return. In 

 our hurry, we did not thoroughly explore it. Looking more 

 attentively, we see, half hidden behind the stand of a large 

 telescope, a pale infirm old man. He is intently gazing on 

 the stars, for twilight has almost passed away. Let us not 

 disturb him, but note his appearance and costume before the 

 night sets in. In stature he is below the middle height ; his 



