388 THE BOYAL INSTITUTION. [CHAP. VI. 



continue to labour in the cause of science with a zeal not 

 diminished by increase of happiness and (with respect to 

 the world) increased independence. 



I have just finished the first part of my ' Chemistry' to my 

 own satisfaction, and I am going to publish my 'Agricultural 

 Lectures,' for which I am to get 1,000 guineas for the copy- 

 right and fifty guineas for each edition, which seems a fair 

 price. As I shall see you so soon I shall not write about 

 any matters of science. 



I was appointed professor (honorary) to the Institution 

 at the last meeting (April 5). I do not pledge myself to 

 give lectures. Brande gives twelve. 



If I lecture it will be on some new series of discoveries, 

 should it be my fortune to make them, and I give up the 

 routine of lecturing merely that I may have more time to 

 pursue original inquiries and forward more the great 

 objects of science. This has been for some time my in- 

 tention, and it has been hastened by my marriage. 



I shall have great pleasure in making you acquainted 

 with Lady D. She is a noble creature (if I may be per- 

 mitted so to speak of a wife) and every day adds to my 

 contentment by the powers of her understanding and her 

 amiable and delightful tones of feeling. God bless you ! 

 Believe me to be your affectionate brother, 



H. DAVY. 



In the minutes of the monthly meetings of members 

 of the Eoyal Institution, April 5, 1813, it is stated that 

 Sir H. Davy rose and begged leave to resign his situation 

 of Professor of Chemistry ; ' but he by no means wished 

 to give up his connection with the Koyal Institution, as 

 he should ever be happy to communicate his researches 

 in the first instance to the Institution in the way he 

 did in the presence of the members last Wednesday 

 (on hydrofluoric acid), and to do all in his power to 

 promote the interest and success of this Institution.' 



