64 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



his personal influence with the King. It was here that 

 Sir Joseph was often so helpful when there was a meri- 

 torious object in view. George III had acquired much 

 faith in Banks's judgment generally, and was now an 

 intimate friend, prepared to accept his counsel in all 

 matters of scientific advancement. His Majesty readily 

 found excuse for granting Herschel an appointment worth 

 two hundred pounds a year. The astronomer was 

 presently received at Court, and had the delight of 

 showing his newest instruments to the assembled Royal 

 Family. A long and close friendship continued between 

 Banks and Herschel. 1 



The circle -in Soho Square was rudely broken one 

 morning in the spring of 1782. Dr. Solander was seized 

 with paralysis just after breakfast, while in conversa- 

 tion with Blagden. The best physicians were speedily at 

 hand, while Lady Banks made immediate provision for 

 him to remain in the house. " You may judge of the 

 affliction of every one here," writes Dr. Blagden to Sir 

 Joseph. All the efforts made for the patient were in vain, 

 and he died in the course of a few days. 



The death of Solander was a serious loss to the Banks 

 coterie. He made friends with all. His habitual presence 

 among the company to be seen in Soho Square gave 

 lustre to the scene, alike in his attractive disposition and 

 in the graces of learning and intelligence. Not only was 

 he Banks's right-hand man in his scientific work, but, 

 from the day when Banks invited Solander to go round 

 the world with him, they had been bound in firmest 

 friendship. And he was always acceptable in good 



1 Fanny Burney found Herschel a constant charm. He was often 

 in her tea-room at Windsor, with Dr. Lind and others of her little circle. 

 He was " openly happy in the success of his studies " ..." a delightful 

 man ; so unassuming with his great knowledge, so willing to dispense it 

 to the ignorant, and so cheerful and easy in his genial manner." He 

 could play sweetly on the violin, and vary his entertainment by "shew- 

 ing me some of his new-discovered universes." Some pleasant glimpses 

 of Sir William Herschel are to be found in Madam D'Arblay's Diary. 



