258 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



Ten years after this, the Astronomical Society was 

 set on foot. This greatly disturbed Sir Joseph. He 

 strenuously opposed it "on the ground that such an 

 association, by robbing the Royal Society of many of its 

 members, and affecting to engross one of its most im- 

 portant departments, struck a severe blow at its re- 

 spectability and usefulness." 1 Several persons held 

 aloof, including the Duke of Somerset, who was first 

 invited to become the President of the new Society 

 on the ground that it was not approved by Sir Joseph 

 Banks. These alarms were needless, and it soon appeared 

 that the Astronomical Society had an important function 

 to fulfil, and that it was possible for gentlemen to become 

 active members of both Societies. 



The Royal Institution was founded in 1800. It origi- 

 nated from a suggestion of Count Rumford, who had been 

 of late years in London, taking part in the scientific and 

 social activities of London. 2 When Rumford was formerly 

 resident in England (then plain Benjamin Thompson) he 

 introduced himself to Banks on the score of a learned 



1 Sir John Barrow : Sketches of the Royal Society, etc. 



2 Rumford was now accompanied by his only daughter. There is 

 an interesting memorandum of hers relating to this period : " My 

 father was often at the Royal Society, and intimate with the president, 

 Sir Joseph Banks. I would be invited to the dinners Sir Joseph gave to 

 the select ones of his royal learned society. Through the kindness and 

 civility of Lady and Miss Banks, his wife and sister, I several times 

 found myself one of their party. Lady Banks was so kind, and most 

 likely out of civility to my father, she would allow me to be with her for 

 days together, taking me about with her, letting me see things, trying to 

 amuse me. I recollect she took me to a Lord Mayor's ball, where I saw 

 the princes and Royal Family for the first time. As may be supposed, 

 the select dinners of the Royal Society were highly interesting, and 

 where I think ladies were seldom or never admitted. I was allowed to 

 accompany Lady and Miss Banks as a mere nobody ; but this did not 

 prevent my making observations which never have and never will be 

 forgotten. The idea of very learned people suggests pedantry. At 

 these dinners there was nothing of the kind, differing only from other 

 refined society when remarks were made to convey, perhaps, new ideas, 

 discoveries, or highly entertaining instruction ; sometimes there being 

 no such talk at all " (H. Bence Jones : The Royal Institution. London, 

 1871, p. $8.) This young lady (afterwards known as Sarah Countess 

 Rumford) presently attracted the eye and heart of Dr. Blagden. But 

 her father would not consent to their union. 



