LECTURES IN NANTTJCKET. 365 



to see intense ignition coming out of cold fluids, and the 

 rocks themselves melting under a stream of burning gases. 

 Such experiments demonstrate to the observers that the 

 mighty power of heat is inherent in the earth as well as in 

 the sun. There is, as far as we can learn, universal satis- 

 faction with the lectures, and great surprise is expressed at 

 seeing experiments even the most difficult always suc- 

 cessful. I have now no doubt of the entire success of the 

 course, life and power being continued. We are both well, 

 and have become accustomed to bad water." The follow- 

 ing is an extract from a letter to Mrs. Silliman, dated Sep- 

 tember 18, 1835: "I must not postpone a reply to your 

 letter until next week, as there is much work on hand for 

 another lecture this evening. In addition to a great and 

 increasing audience from the town, we had last evening at 

 the lecture, the Hon. John Quincy Adams and son, the last* 

 a son-in-law of Hon. Peter C. Brooks ; Isaac P. Davis, Esq., 

 who does a great part of the honors of Boston ; and Mr. 

 Paine, the astronomer. These gentlemen are on a visit of 

 curiosity and observation to this Island, which I believe 

 most of them have never visited before." " Postscript, 

 Saturday, A. M., September 19, 1835. The four lectures 

 of the week are safely through. The great folks having 

 passed the day at Siasconsit, nine miles from town, on the 

 other side of the island, returned in season for the lecture, 

 the second which they have attended. President Adams 

 sat on the platform near me, and was very attentive ; but 

 how much interested, I do not know. For a week past we 

 have had daily invitations to tea, to dinner, to rides, &c. 

 We find the society very friendly and agreeable, and the 

 people universally kind. A very high degree of interest is 

 manifested in the course, and they are feeling my pulse 

 for a course of chemistry another year. Everything here 

 promises to wind up with great and mutual satisfaction." 

 Again : " The great folks are here in the Hotel with us, and 

 are very agreeable. Mr. Adams especially is very patient 



