SIR HUMPHRY DAVY.

45

CHAPTER II.

Letter to his mother on quitting home—Advantages of his situation atClifton—Character of Dr. Beddoes—Of Mr. Poole—Notices of hisresearches, in connexion with his philosophical opinions—Extractsfrom his note-books, illustrative of the same—First visit home—Lineson the occasion—Farther extracts from note-books, showing his variedpursuits, and modes of sentiment and thought—Fragments of apoem—Happy life and aspirations—Letters expressive of these —Accepts an appointment in the Royal Institution—List of his publi-cations whilst at Clifton.

Tiie following letter, descriptive of youthful mind, andof the feelings of youth on going out into the world,—written shortly after his arrival at Clifton, may serve asan introduction to this period of his life. The readerwill please to keep in mind to whom it was addressed,and the occasion, and that it was intended solely for amother’s perusal.

“ October 11th, 1798. Clifton.

“ My dear Mother,

“ I have now a little leisure time, and I am about toemploy it in the pleasing occupation of communicatingto you an account of all the new and wonderful eventsthat have happened to me since my departure.

“I suppose you received my letter, written in a greathurry last Sunday, informing you of my safe arrival,and kind reception. I must now give you a moreparticular account of Clifton, the place of my residence,and of my new friends, Dr. and Mrs. Beddoes , and theirfamily.