288 THOMAS YOUNG. 
definite proportions, one of the most valuable discoveries 
of modern chemistry. 
Dr. Brocklesby, the maternal uncle of Young, one of 
the most popular physicians in London at the time, justly 
confident of the distinguished success of the young 
scholar, communicated occasionally his productions to 
men of science and literature, and to men of the world, 
whose approbation might have greatly flattered his van-_ 
ity. Young thus found himself at an early period in 
personal relation with those celebrated men Burke and 
Wyndham, of the House of Commions, and the Duke of 
Richmond. The last nobleman, then Master of the 
Ordnance, offered him the place of private secretary. 
The two other statesmen, although they wished him also 
to follow a career connected with the public administra- 
tion, yet advised him first to go through a course of law 
at Cambridge.* With such powerful patrons Young 
might reckon on one of those lucrative offices which 
persons in power are not slow to bestow on those who 
will spare them all study and application, and daily 
furnish them with the means of shining at the court, 
the council, the senate, without compromising their van- 
ity by committing any indiscretion. Young happily had 
a consciousness of his powers; he perceived in himself 
the germ of those brilliant discoveries which have since 
adorned his name: he preferred the laborious, but inde- 
pendent, career of the man of letters, to the golden 
chains which they exhibited so temptingly to his eyes. 
Honour be to him for such a determination! May his 
example serve as a lesson to so many young men whom. 
* “Mr. Wyndham advised him not to accept the appointment, and 
recommended him rather to proceed to Cambridge, and study the law.” 
Peacock’s Life, p. 45.— Translator. : 
