SIR HUMPHREY DAVY. 51 



and geometry. The subject of metaphysics, it is stated, was 

 also embraced in his reading at this period. 



But chemistry was the science to which, of all others, he 

 gave himself with the greatest ardour ; and, even in this early 

 stage of his researches, he seems to have looked forward to 

 fame from his labours in this department. The writer of the 

 memoir of Sir Humphrey to which we are indebted for these 

 particulars, quotes an exclamation which broke from him one 

 day in after-life, when contemplating, along with a friend, a 

 picture of one of the mines of his native district, which shows 

 what were the visions of his solitary rambles. " How often, 

 when a boy," said he, " have I wandered about those rocks in 

 search after new minerals, and, when tired, sat down upon those 

 crags, and exercised my fancy in anticipations of future renown !" 

 The peculiar features of this part of the country doubtless 

 contributed not a little to give hrs genius the direction it took. 

 The mineral riches concealed under the soil formed alone a 

 world of curious investigation. The rocky coast presented a 

 geological study of inexhaustible interest. Even the various 

 productions cast ashore by the sea were continually affording 

 new materials of examination to his inquisitive and reflecting 

 mind. The first original experiment, it is related, in which he 

 engaged, had for its object to ascertain the nature of the air 

 contained in the bladders of sea-weed. At this time he had no 

 other laboratory than what he contrived to furnish for himself, 

 by the assistance of his master's phials and gallipots, the pots 

 and pans used in the kitchen, and such other utensils as 

 accident threw in his way. These he converted, with great 

 ingenuity, to his own purposes. On one occasion, however, he 

 accounted himself particularly fortunate in a prize which he 

 made. This was a case of surgical instruments with which he 



