CHAPTER V 

 THE ROYAL SOCIETY continued 



IT was in the summer of 1783 that Sir Joseph had 

 a first serious warning of the common lot in life. 

 Hitherto he was active, and buoyant, as a man at 

 forty years of age should be. There is no hint of 

 his having yet had a day's illness. But there was a carri- 

 age accident in August or September, the result being 

 that he was laid up for some weeks at Revesby, an invalid. 

 After that his habits were never the same again. The 

 demon Gout insidiously began to lay hold upon him, 

 and eventually troubled him as long as he lived. 



During Banks's confinement indoors, his friend Blagden 

 was more assiduous than ever in his letters from town, 

 and entertained Sir Joseph with gossip of all sorts. 

 When this worthy gentleman had the opportunity, he 

 could pour forth long messages with extraordinary 

 verbosity. His letters during this particular autumn 

 are a rich chronicle, worthy of the notice of any student 

 who would reproduce an idea of the doings of the time. 

 So, Dr. Blagden made a good newsman for Revesby, 

 with his stories of flying-machines, Franklin's electrical 

 experiments, Herschel and his telescope, his own specula- 

 tions on the composition of air, beside dozens of other 

 matters which were keeping the philosophers wide awake. 

 All these things, together with minor gossip of a personal 

 nature, doubtless softened to the invalid the loss of 

 his wonted share in affairs. 



Nor did Dr. Blagden omit due service to Lady and Miss 



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