1802. .Ex. 24.] PROFESSOR DAVY. 329 



chemical knowledge, his happy illustrations and well- 

 conducted experiments excited universal attention and 

 unbounded applause. 



6 Compliments, invitations, and presents were 

 showered upon him in abundance from all quarters. His 

 society was courted by all, and all appeared proud 

 of his acquaintance.' 



On February 5 he again dined with Sir H. Englefield 

 at his house at Blackheath. Eighteen long years 

 afterwards, looking back through Davy's career, Sir H. 

 Engleneld said of this evening, ' It was the last flash of 

 expiring nature.' 



On May 31, 1802, at the managers' meeting, it was 

 resolved that Mr. Humphry Davy be for the future 

 styled Professor of Chemistry to the Eoyal Institution. 

 In July 4 he respectfully requested leave of the managers 

 that he may be permitted to spend a few weeks 

 during the summer in the country. It is not amuse- 

 ment alone that he hopes to gain during his short 

 absence, but he believes that he may be able to collect 

 some information that may be useful in the lectures to 

 be given on Agriculture in the spring, and which may 

 be in other ways connected with the views of the 

 Institution. He will take care that his absence shall 

 not interfere with the regular publication of the 

 Journals, and he will never be so far from town but 

 that he can speedily return whenever his presence may 

 be necessary.' 



He wrote to Davies Gilbert, October 26 : 



DEAR FRIEND, The anxieties and hopes connected with 

 a new occupation have prevented me from paying sufficient 



