Ixxix 



life chiefly spent in tranquil intellectual occupation, under the fostering 

 wing of one of those great semimonastic establishments which are peculiar 

 to this country ; and however slight their intrinsic value, considered as 

 contributions to the stock of human knowledge, may he, they will serve at 

 least to show, by their number and variety, what might be accomplished by 

 persons gifted with greater energy and more profound attainments, through 

 the aid of foundations in which an exemption from domestic cares, and a 

 liberal provision for all the reasonable wants of a celibate life, afford such 

 facilities for the indulgence of either literary or scientific tastes." 



Under the influence of the traditions of former scientific culture in Ox 

 ford, and 



" Not mindless of those mighty times " 



when the leading spirits of remote antiquity committed to posterity the 

 priceless records of early philosophy, was Charles Daubeny conducted to 

 the School of Chemistry, and the School of Geology. In them, but espe- 

 cially in the former, he imbibed sound and various knowledge. From them 

 he passed at once to researches and publications which have contributed 

 as much as those of any physicist of this century to sustain the credit of 

 the University and guide the progress of useful knowledge. And the in- 

 fluence of these publications was in no slight measure due to the pure 

 classical taste, and the sure employment of appropriate language, which 

 were the gift of the foundations of William of Wykeham and William of 

 Waynflete. 



The same accuracy appeared in the frequent addresses which he was 

 called on to make on social or public occasions. He affected no grace 01 

 oratory ; 



" His words succinct, yet full, without a fault, 

 He said no more than just the thing he ought 



but the calm and reasonable views which he might be trusted to present on 

 all subjects of scientific interest or administrative reform, never failed to 

 have their due influence even over the agitations of controversy— from 

 which he never shrank if his sense of justice and love of truth called 

 for vindication. Any one accustomed to a considerable degree of inti- 

 macy with Dr. Daubeny would be able to declare that he never met with 

 any man more entirely truthful and just-minded. You might absolutely 

 rely upon him, in regard of deeds, thoughts, and motives. To con- 

 vince his judgment was to enlist his sympathy and secure his active help ; 

 to be censured with overmuch strictness Mas a passport to such pro- 

 tection as he could honestly give. In defence of a friend whose Essay 

 was unpopular, in opposition to a course of University mutation which 

 he did not think was reform, in advocating what he believed to be de- 

 sirable changes, his arms were ever ready ; nor did he throw a pointless 

 dart. 



With reference to the influence of Dr. Daubeny in scientific discussions, 



