56 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



Blessed with a very wide circle of friends, he was enabled 

 to enjoy his few remaining years in comfort and honour, 

 and still contributing to the promotion of Science. He 

 died in 1782. 



Several names were mentioned of possible successors 

 to Sir John Pringle. Others beside that of Banks 

 had the honour of being included among them. As time 

 went on, it was apparent that the only serious candida- 

 ture beside that of Banks was on the part of the friends of 

 Mr. Alexander Aubert, a wealthy merchant, and a 

 very active member of the Society, elected in 1772. 

 It was afterwards asked " what Mr. Aubert had done," 

 a question, however, that has often been put under 

 similar circumstances, concerning men superlatively 

 active in good work yet disinclined to seek public renown. 

 Aubert was best known in the scientific world as an 

 astronomer. c He built three observatories : one at his 

 house in Austin Friars, another at his residence at 

 Highbury, and a third near Lewisham. And, from casual 

 references to him, it is quite clear that he was a greatly 

 respected man in scientific circles, genial and hospitable 

 in private life, and an important member of the Royal 

 Society. 



Dr. Solander to Sir Joseph Banks. 



" LONDON, August n, 1778. 



" MY DEAR SIR, This morning Mr. Planta told me that 

 Sir John Pringle has certainly declared that he intends 

 to resign ; and Mr. Cavendish says that Sir John has 

 mentioned it at the Mitre. It is true that he has given 

 hints about Mr. Aubert, but all look to you. Dr. Pitcairne 

 and others have desired me to tell you that." 



Mr. Weld says (History of the Royal Society) that a 

 general opinion prevailed that no one was better qualified 

 to occupy the vacant chair than Mr. Banks. It would 



