initial commit of ebook 20751HEADmain

10 files changed, 12898 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/20751-8.txt b/20751-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2270a4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/20751-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4262 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Priestley in America, by Edgar F. Smith
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Priestley in America
+       1794-1804
+
+Author: Edgar F. Smith
+
+Release Date: March 6, 2007 [EBook #20751]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Hilary Caws-Elwitt, in honor of Peter James
+Caws and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+        PRIESTLEY
+
+           IN
+
+        AMERICA
+
+       1794-1804
+
+
+
+           BY
+     EDGAR F. SMITH
+UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
+
+
+
+       PHILADELPHIA
+ P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO.
+    1012 WALNUT STREET
+
+
+
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO.
+
+          THE MAPLE PRESS YORK PA
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+The writer, in studying the lives of early American chemists,
+encountered the name of _Joseph Priestley_ so frequently, that he
+concluded to institute a search with the view of learning as much as
+possible of the life and activities, during his exile in this country,
+of the man whom chemists everywhere deeply revere. Recourse, therefore,
+was had to contemporary newspapers, documents and books, and the
+resulting material woven into the sketch given in the appended pages. If
+nothing more, it may be, perhaps, a connecting chapter for any future
+history of chemistry in America. Its preparation has been a genuine
+pleasure, which, it is hoped by him whose hand guided the pen, will be
+shared by his fellow chemists, and all who are interested in the growth
+and development of science in this country.
+
+
+
+
+PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA
+
+
+There lies before the writer a tube of glass, eleven and one half inches
+in length and a quarter of an inch in diameter. Its walls are thin. At
+one end there is evidence that an effort was made to bend this tube in
+the flame. Ordinarily it would be tossed aside; but this particular tube
+was given the writer years ago by a great-grandson of Joseph Priestley.
+Attached to the tube is a bit of paper upon which appear the words
+"piece of tubing used by Priestley." That legend has made the tube
+precious in the heart and to the eye of the writer. Everything relating
+to this wonderful figure in science, history, religion, politics and
+philosophy is very dear to him. On all sides of him are relics and
+reminders of Priestley. Not all, but many of his publications are near
+at hand. After perusal of these at various times, and while reading the
+many life sketches of Priestley, there has come the desire to know more
+about his activities during the decade (1794-1804) he lived in America.
+Isn't it fair to declare that the great majority of chemical students
+think of Priestley as working only in England, his native land, and
+never give thought to his efforts during the last ten years of his life?
+It has been said that he probably inspired and incited the young
+chemists of this country to renewed endeavor in their science upon his
+advent here. There is no question that he influenced James Woodhouse and
+his particular confreres most profoundly, as he did a younger
+generation, represented by Robert Hare. Priestley again set in rapid
+motion chemical research in the young Republic.[1] He must therefore
+have done something himself. What was it? Is it worth while to learn the
+character of this work? Modern tendencies are antagonistic to the past.
+Many persons care nothing for history. It is a closed book. They do not
+wish it to be opened, and yet the present is built upon the early work.
+In reviewing the development of chemistry in this country everything,
+from the first happening here, should be laid upon the table for study
+and reflection. Thus believing, it will not be out of place to seek some
+light upon the occupation of the discoverer of oxygen after he came to
+live among us--with our fathers.
+
+Noble-hearted, sympathetic Thomas E. Thorpe wrote:
+
+    If, too, as you draw up to the fire 'betwixt the gloaming and the
+      mirk' of these dull, cold November days, and note the little blue
+      flame playing round the red-hot coals, think kindly of Priestley,
+      for he first told us of the nature of that flame when in the exile
+      to which our forefathers drove him.
+
+Right there, "the nature of the flame," is one thing Priestley did
+explain in America. He discovered carbon monoxide--not in England, but
+in "exile."[2] It may not be an epoch-making observation. There are not
+many such and those who make them are not legion in number. It was an
+interesting fact, with a very definite value, which has persisted
+through many succeeding decades and is so matter-of-fact that rarely
+does one arise to ask who first discovered this simple oxide of carbon.
+
+Priestley was a man of strong human sympathies. He loved to mingle with
+men and exchange thoughts. Furthermore, Priestley was a minister--a
+preacher. He was ordained while at Warrington, and gloried in the fact
+that he was a Dissenting Minister. It was not his devotion to science
+which sent him "into exile." His advanced thought along political and
+religious lines, his unequivocal utterances on such subjects,--proved
+to be the rock upon which he shipwrecked. It has been said--
+
+    By some strange irony of fate this man, who was by nature one of
+      the most peaceable and peace-loving of men, singularly calm and
+      dispassionate, not prone to disputation or given to wrangling,
+      acquired the reputation of being perhaps the most cantankerous man
+      of his time....
+
+There is a wide-spread impression that Priestley was a chemist. This is
+the answer which invariably comes from the lips of students upon being
+interrogated concerning him. The truth is that Priestley's attention was
+only turned to chemistry when in the thirties by Matthew Turner, who
+lectured on this subject in the Warrington Academy in which Priestley
+labored as a teacher. So he was rather advanced in life before the
+science he enriched was revealed to him in the experimental way. Let it
+again be declared, he was a teacher. His thoughts were mostly those of a
+teacher. Education occupied him. He wrote upon it. The old Warrington
+Academy was a "hot-bed of liberal dissent," and there were few subjects
+upon which he did not publicly declare himself as a dissenter.
+
+He learned to know our own delightful Franklin in one of his visits to
+London. Franklin was then sixty years of age, while Priestley was little
+more than half his age. A warm friendship immediately sprang up. It
+reacted powerfully upon Priestley's work as "a political thinker and as
+a natural philosopher." In short, Franklin "made Priestley into a man of
+science." This intimacy between these remarkable men should not escape
+American students. Recall that positively fascinating letter (1788) from
+Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, in which occur these words:
+
+    Remember me affectionately ... to the honest heretic Dr.
+      Priestley. I do not call him honest by way of distinction, for I
+      think all the heretics I have known have been virtuous men. They
+      have the virtue of Fortitude, or they would not venture to own
+      their heresy; and they cannot afford to be deficient in any of the
+      other virtues, as that would give advantage to their many
+      enemies.... Do not however mistake me. It is not to my good
+      friend's heresy that I impute his honesty. On the contrary 'tis
+      his honesty that has brought upon him the character of heretic.
+
+Much of Priestley's thought was given to religious matters. In Leeds he
+acknowledged himself a _humanitarian_, or
+
+      a believer in the doctrine that Jesus Christ was in nature solely
+      and truly a man, however highly exalted by God.
+
+His home in Leeds adjoined a "public brew house." He there amused
+himself with experiments on carbon dioxide (fixed air). Step by step he
+became strongly attracted to experimentation. His means, however,
+forbade the purchase of apparatus and he was obliged to devise the same
+and also to think out his own methods of attack. Naturally, his
+apparatus was simple. He loved to repeat experiments, thus insuring
+their accuracy.
+
+In 1772 he published his first paper on Pneumatic Chemistry. It told of
+the impregnation of water with carbon dioxide. It attracted attention
+and was translated into French. This soda-water paper won for Priestley
+the Copley medal (1773). While thus signally honored he continued
+publishing views on theology and metaphysics. These made a considerable
+uproar.
+
+Then came the memorable year of 1774--the birth-year of oxygen. How many
+chemists, with but two years in the science, have been so fortunate as
+to discover an element, better still probably the most important of all
+the elements! It was certainly a rare good fortune! It couldn't help but
+make him the observed among observers. This may have occasioned the hue
+and cry against his polemical essays on government and church to become
+more frequent and in some instances almost furious.
+
+It was now that he repaired to London. Here he had daily intercourse
+with Franklin, whose encouragement prompted him to go bravely forward in
+his adopted course.
+
+It was in 1780 that he took up his residence in Birmingham. This was
+done at the instance of his brother-in-law. The atmosphere was most
+congenial and friendly. Then, he was most desirous of resuming his
+ministerial duties; further, he would have near at hand good workmen to
+aid him in the preparation of apparatus for his philosophical pursuits.
+Best of all his friends were there, including those devoted to science.
+Faujar St. Fond, a French geologist has recorded a visit to Priestley--
+
+    Dr. Priestley received me with the greatest kindness.... The
+      building in which Dr. Priestley made his chemical and
+      philosophical experiments was detached from his house to avoid the
+      danger of fire. It consisted of several apartments on the ground
+      floor. Upon entering it we were struck with a simple and ingenious
+      apparatus for making experiments on inflammable gas extracted from
+      iron and water reduced to vapour.
+
+If, only, all the time of Dr. Priestley in Birmingham had been devoted
+to science, but alas, his "beloved theology" claimed much of it. He
+would enter into controversy--he would dissent, and the awful hour was
+advancing by leaps and bounds. The storm was approaching.
+
+It burst forth with fury in 1791. The houses of worship, in which he was
+wont to officiate, were the first to meet destruction, then followed his
+own house in which were assembled his literary treasures and the
+apparatus he had constructed and gathered with pains, sacrifice and
+extreme effort. Its demolition filled his very soul with deepest sorrow.
+Close at hand, the writer has a neat little chemical balance. It was
+brought to this country by Priestley, and tradition has it, that it was
+among the pieces of the celebrated collection of chemical utensils
+rescued from the hands of the infuriated mob which sought even the life
+of Priestley, who fortunately had been spirited or hidden away by loyal,
+devoted friends and admirers. In time he ventured forth into the open
+and journeyed to London, and when quiet was completely restored, he
+returned to one of his early fields of activity, but wisdom and the calm
+judgment of friends decided this as unwise. Through it all Priestley was
+quiet and philosophical, which is evident from the following story:
+
+    A friend called on him soon after the riots and condoled with him
+      for his loss in general, then mentioned the destruction of his
+      books as an object of particular regret. Priestley answered, "I
+      should have read my books to little purpose if they had not taught
+      me to bear the loss of them with composure and resignation."
+
+But the iron had entered his soul. He could not believe that in his own
+England any man would be treated as he had been treated. His country was
+dear to him. He prized it beyond expression, but he could not hope for
+the peace his heart craved. His family circle was broken, two of his
+sons having come to America, so in the end, deeply concerned for his
+life-companion's comfort, the decision to emigrate was reached, and
+their faces were turned to the West.
+
+In reviewing the history of chemistry the remark is frequently heard
+that one blotch on the fair escutcheon of French science was placed
+there when the remorseless guillotine ushered Lavoisier into eternity.
+Was not the British escutcheon of science dimmed when Priestley passed
+into exile? Priestley--who had wrought so splendidly! And yet we should
+not be too severe, for an illustrious name--Count Rumford--which should
+have been ours--was lost to us by influences not wholly unlike those
+which gained us Priestley. Benjamin Thompson, early in life abandoned a
+home and a country which his fellow citizens had made intolerable.
+
+Read Priestley's volumes on Air and on Natural Philosophy. They are
+classics. All conversant with their contents agree that the experimental
+work was marvelous. Priestley's discovery of oxygen was epoch-making,
+but does not represent all that he did. Twice he just escaped the
+discovery of nitrogen. One wonders how this occurred. He had it in hand.
+The other numerous observations made by him antedate his American life
+and need not be mentioned here. They alone would have given him a
+permanent and honorable rank in the history of chemistry. Students of
+the science should reserve judgment of Priestley until they have
+familiarized themselves with all his contributions, still accessible in
+early periodicals. When that has been done, the loss to English science,
+by Priestley's departure to another clime will be apparent.
+
+His dearest friends would have held him with them. Not every man's hand
+was against him--on the contrary, numerous were those, even among the
+opponents of his political and theological utterances, who hoped that he
+would not desert them. They regretted that he had--
+
+    turned his attention too much from the luminous field of
+      philosophic disquisition to the sterile regions of polemic
+      divinity, and the still more thorny paths of polemic politics....
+
+from which the hope was cherished that he would recede and devote all
+his might to philosophical pursuits.
+
+    A very considerable number ... of enlightened inhabitants,
+      convinced of his integrity as a man, sincerity as a preacher, and
+      superlative merit as a philosopher, were his strenuous advocates
+      and admirers.
+
+But the die had been cast, and to America he sailed on April 8, 1794, in
+the good ship _Sansom_, Capt. Smith, with a hundred others--his fellow
+passengers. Whilst on the seas his great protagonist Lavoisier met his
+death on the scaffold.
+
+    Such was the treatment bestowed upon the best of their citizens by
+      two nations which considered themselves as without exception the
+      most civilized and enlightened in the world!
+
+It is quite natural to query how the grand old scientist busied himself
+on this voyage of eight weeks and a day. The answer is found in his own
+words:
+
+    I read the whole of the Greek Testament, and the Hebrew bible as
+      far as the first Book of Samuel: also Ovid's Metamorphoses,
+      Buchanan's poems, Erasmus' Dialogues, also Peter Pindar's poems,
+      &c.... and to amuse myself I tried the heat of the water at
+      different depths, and made other observations, which suggest
+      various experiments, which I shall prosecute whenever I get my
+      apparatus at liberty.
+
+The Doctor was quite sea-sick, and at times sad, but uplifted when his
+eyes beheld the proofs of friendship among those he was leaving behind.
+Thus he must have smiled benignantly on beholding the
+
+      elegant Silver Inkstand, with the following inscription, presented
+      ... by three young Gentlemen of the University of Cambridge:
+
+        "To Joseph Priestley, LL.D. &c. on his departure into Exile,
+          from a few members of the University of Cambridge, who regret
+          that expression of their Esteem should be occasioned by the
+          ingratitude of their Country."
+
+And, surely, he must have taken renewed courage on perusing the
+valedictory message received from the Society of United Irishmen of
+Dublin:
+
+  Sir,
+
+    SUFFER a Society which has been caluminated as devoid of all sense
+      of religion, law or morality, to sympathize with one whom calumny
+      of a similar kind is about to drive from his native land, a land
+      which he has adorned and enlightened in almost every branch of
+      liberal literature, and of useful philosophy. The emigration of
+      Dr. Priestley will form a striking historical fact, by which
+      alone, future ages will learn to estimate truly the temper of the
+      present time. Your departure will not only give evidence of the
+      injury which philosophy and literature have received in your
+      person, but will prove the accumulation of petty disquietudes,
+      which has robbed your life of its zest and enjoyment, for, at your
+      age no one would willingly embark on such a voyage, and sure we
+      are, it was your wish and prayer to be buried in your native
+      country, which contains the dust of your old friends Saville,
+      Price, Jebb, and Fothergill. But be cheerful, dear Sir, you are
+      going to a happier world--the world of Washington and Franklin.
+
+    In idea, we accompany you. We stand near you while you are setting
+      sail. We watch your eyes that linger on the white cliffs and we
+      hear the patriarchal blessing which your soul pours out on the
+      land of your nativity, the aspiration that ascends to God for its
+      peace, its freedom and its prosperity. Again, do we participate in
+      your feelings on first beholding Nature in her noblest scenes and
+      grandest features, on finding man busied in rendering himself
+      worthy of Nature, but more than all, on contemplating with
+      philosophic prescience the coming period when those vast inland
+      seas shall be shadowed with sails, when the St. Lawrence and
+      Mississippi, shall stretch forth their arms to embrace the
+      continent in a great circle of interior navigation: when the
+      Pacific Ocean shall pour into the Atlantic; when man will become
+      more precious than fine gold, and when his ambition will be to
+      subdue the elements, not to subjugate his fellow-creatures, to
+      make fire, water, earth and air obey his bidding, but to leave the
+      poor ethereal mind as the sole thing in Nature free and
+      incoercible.
+
+    Happy indeed would it be were men in power to recollect this
+      quality of the human mind. Suffer us to give them an example from
+      a science of which you are a mighty master, that attempts to fix
+      the element of mind only increase its activity, and that to
+      calculate what may be from what has been is a very dangerous
+      deceit.--Were all the saltpetre in India monopolized, this would
+      only make chemical researches more ardent and successful. The
+      chalky earths would be searched for it, and nitre beds would be
+      made in every cellar and every stable. Did not that prove
+      sufficient the genius of chemistry would find in a new salt a
+      substitute for nitre or a power superior to it.[3] It requires
+      greater genius than Mr. Pitt seems to possess, to know the
+      wonderful resources of the mind, when patriotism animates
+      philosophy, and all the arts and sciences are put under a state of
+      requisition, when the attention of a whole scientific people is
+      bent to multiplying the means and instruments of destruction and
+      when philosophy rises in a mass to drive on the wedge of war. A
+      black powder has changed the military art, and in a great degree
+      the manners of mankind. Why may not the same science which
+      produced it, produce another powder which, inflamed under a
+      certain compression, might impell the air, so as to shake down the
+      strongest towers and scatter destruction.
+
+    But you are going to a country where science is turned to better
+      uses. Your change of place will give room for the matchless
+      activity of your genius; and you will take a sublime pleasure in
+      bestowing on Britain the benefit of your future discoveries. As
+      matter changes its form but not a particle is ever lost, so the
+      principles of virtuous minds are equally imperishable; and your
+      change of situation may even render truth more operative,
+      knowledge more productive, and in the event, liberty itself more
+      universal. Wafted by the winds or tossed by the waves, the seed
+      that is here thrown out as dead, there shoots up and flourishes.
+      It is probable that emigration to America from the first
+      settlement downward, has not only served the cause of general
+      liberty, but will eventually and circuitously serve it even in
+      Britain. What mighty events have arisen from that germ which might
+      once have been supposed to be lost forever in the woods of
+      America, but thrown upon the bosom of Nature, the breath of God
+      revived it, and the world hath gathered its fruits. Even Ireland
+      has contributed her share to the liberties of America; and while
+      purblind statesmen were happy to get rid of the stubborn
+      Presbyterians of the North, they little thought that they were
+      serving a good cause in another quarter.--Yes! the Volunteers of
+      Ireland still live--they live across the Atlantic. Let this idea
+      animate us in our sufferings, and may the pure principles and
+      genuine lustre of the British Constitution reflected from their
+      Coast, penetrate into ourselves and our dungeons.
+
+    Farewell--great and good man! Great by your mental powers, by your
+      multiplied literary labours, but still greater by those household
+      virtues which form the only solid security for public conduct by
+      those mild and gentle qualities, which far from being averse to,
+      are most frequently attended with severe and inflexible
+      patriotism, rising like an oak above a modest
+      mansion.--Farewell--but before you go, we beseech a portion of
+      your parting prayer to the author of Good for Archibald Hamilton
+      Rowan, the pupil of Jebb, our Brother, now suffering imprisonment,
+      and for all those who have suffered, and are about to suffer in
+      the same cause--the cause of impartial and adequate
+      representation--the cause of the Constitution. Pray to the best of
+      Beings for Muir, Palmer, Skirving, Margarott and Gerald, who are
+      now, or will shortly be crossing, like you, the bleak Ocean, to a
+      barbarous land!--Pray that they may be animated with the same
+      spirit, which in the days of their fathers, triumphed at the
+      stake, and shone in the midst of flames. Melancholy indeed, it is
+      that the mildest and most humane of all Religions should have been
+      so perverted as to hang or burn men in order to keep them of one
+      faith.
+
+    It is equally melancholy, that the most deservedly extolled of
+      Civil Constitutions, should recur to similar modes of coercion,
+      and that hanging and burning are not now employed, principally,
+      because measures apparently milder are considered as more
+      effectual. Farewell! Soon may you embrace your sons on the
+      American shore, and Washington take you by the hand, and the shade
+      of Franklin look down with calm delight on the first statesman of
+      the age extending his protection to its first philosopher.
+
+And how interestedly did America anticipate the arrival of the world
+renowned philosopher is in a measure foreshadowed by the following
+excerpt from the _American Daily Advertiser_ for Thursday, June 5, 1794:
+
+    Dr. Priestley, with about one hundred other passengers, are on
+      board the Sansom, which may be hourly expected.
+
+In an editorial of the same paper, printed about the same date, there
+appeared the following tribute:
+
+    It must afford the most sincere gratification to every well wisher
+      to the rights of man, that the United States of America, the land
+      of freedom and independence, has become the asylum of the greatest
+      characters of the present age, who have been persecuted in Europe,
+      merely because they have defended the rights of the enslaved
+      nations.
+
+    The name of Joseph Priestley will be long remembered among all
+      enlightened people; and there is no doubt that England will one
+      day regret her ungrateful treatment to this venerable and
+      illustrious man. His persecutions in England have presented to
+      him the American Republic as a safe and honourable retreat in his
+      declining years; and his arrival in this City calls upon us to
+      testify our respect and esteem for a man whose whole life has been
+      devoted to the sacred duty of diffusing knowledge and happiness
+      among nations.
+
+    The citizens of united America know well the honourable
+      distinction that is due to virtue and talents; and while they
+      cherish in their hearts the memory of Dr. Franklin, as a
+      philosopher, they will be proud to rank among the list of their
+      illustrious fellow citizens, the name of Dr. Priestley.
+
+Quietly but with great inward rejoicing were the travel-worn
+voyagers--the Doctor and his wife--received on the evening of June 4,
+1794, at the old Battery in New York, by their son Joseph and his wife,
+who had long awaited them, and now conducted them to a nearby lodging
+house, which had been the head-quarters of Generals Howe and Clinton.
+
+On the following morning the Priestleys were visited by Governor
+Clinton, Dr. Prevost, Bishop of New York and most of the principal
+merchants, and deputations of corporate bodies and Societies, bringing
+addresses of welcome. Thus, among the very first to present their
+sympathetic welcome was the Democratic Society of the City of New York,
+which in the address of its President, Mr. James Nicholson, made June 7,
+1794, said:
+
+  Sir,
+
+    WE are appointed by the Democratic Society of the City of New
+      York, a Committee to congratulate you on your arrival in this
+      country: And we feel the most lively pleasure in bidding you a
+      hearty welcome to these shores of Liberty and Equality.
+
+    While the arm of Tyranny is extended in most of the nations of the
+      world, to crush the spirit of liberty, and bind in chains the
+      bodies and minds of men, we acknowledge, with ardent gratitude to
+      the Great Parent of the Universe, our singular felicity in living
+      in a land, where Reason has successfully triumphed over the
+      artificial distinctions of European policy and bigotry, and where
+      the law equally protects the virtuous citizen of every description
+      and persuasion.
+
+    On this occasion we cannot but observe, that we once esteemed
+      ourselves happy in the relation that subsisted between us and the
+      Government of Great Britain--But the multiplied oppressions which
+      characterized that Government, excite in us the most painful
+      sensations, and exhibit a spectacle as disgusting in itself, as
+      dishonourable to the British name.
+
+    The governments of the old world present to us one huge mass of
+      intrigue, corruption and despotism--most of them are now basely
+      combined, to prevent the establishment of liberty in France, and
+      to affect the total destruction of the rights of man. Under these
+      afflicting circumstances we rejoice that America opens her arms to
+      receive, with fraternal affection, the friend of liberty and human
+      happiness, and that here he may enjoy the best blessings of
+      civilized society.
+
+    We sincerely sympathize with you in all that you have suffered,
+      and we consider the persecution with which you have been pursued
+      by a venal Court and an imperious and uncharitable priesthood, as
+      an illustrious proof of your personal merit, and a lasting
+      reproach to that Government from the grasp of whose tyranny you
+      are so happily removed.
+
+    Accept, Sir, of the sincere and best wishes of the Society whom we
+      represent, for the continuance of your health, and the increase of
+      your individual and domestic happiness.
+
+To which Priestley graciously replied:
+
+  Gentlemen,
+
+    VIEWING with the deepest concern, as you do, the prospect that is
+      now exhibited in Europe, those troubles which are the natural
+      offspring of their forms of government originating, indeed, in the
+      spirit of liberty, but gradually degenerating in tyrannies,
+      equally degrading to the rulers and the ruled, I rejoice in
+      finding an asylum from persecution in a country in which these
+      abuses have come to a natural termination, and have produced
+      another system of liberty founded on such wise principles, as, I
+      trust, will guard it against all future abuses; those artificial
+      distinctions in society, from which they sprung, being completely
+      eradicated, that protection from violence which laws and
+      government promise in all countries, but which I have not found in
+      my own, I doubt not I shall find with you, though, I cannot
+      promise to be a better subject of this government, than my whole
+      conduct will evince that I have been to that of great Britain.
+
+    Justly, however, as I think I may complain of the treatment I have
+      met with in England I sincerely wish her prosperity, and, from the
+      good will I bear both that country and this I ardently wish that
+      all former animosities may be forgotten and that a perpetual
+      friendship may subsist between them.
+
+And on Monday, June, 11, 1794, having taken the first opportunity to
+visit Priestley, the Tammany Society presented this address:
+
+  Sir,
+
+    A numerous body of freemen who associate to cultivate among them
+      the love of liberty and the enjoyment of the happy Republican
+      government under which they live and who for several years have
+      been known in this city, by the name of the Tammany Society have
+      deputed us a Committee to express to you their pleasure and
+      congratulations on your safe arrival in this country.
+
+    Their venerable ancestors escaped, as you have done, from
+      persecutions of intolerance, bigotry and despotism, and they
+      would deem themselves, an unworthy progeny were they not highly
+      interested in your safety and happiness.
+
+    It is not alone because your various useful publications evince a
+      life devoted to literature and the industrious pursuit of
+      knowledge; not only because your numerous discoveries in Nature
+      are so efficient to the progression of human happiness: but they
+      have long known you to be the friend of mankind and in defiance of
+      calumny and malice, an asserter of the rights of conscience and
+      the champion of civil and religious liberty.
+
+    They have learned with regret and indignation the abandoned
+      proceedings of those spoilers who destroyed your house and goods,
+      ruined your philosophical apparatus and library, committed to the
+      flames your manuscripts, pryed into the secrets of your private
+      papers, and in their barbarian fury put your life itself in
+      danger. They heard you also with exalted benevolence return unto
+      them "blessings for curses:" and while you thus exemplified the
+      undaunted integrity of the patriot, the mild and forbearing
+      virtues of the Christian, they hailed you victor in this
+      magnanimous triumph over your enemies.
+
+    You have fled from the rude arm of violence, from the flames of
+      bigotry, from the rod of lawless power: and you shall find
+      refuge in the bosom of freedom, of peace, and of Americans.
+
+    You have left your native land, a country doubtless ever dear to
+      you--a country for whose improvement in virtue and knowledge you
+      have long disinterestedly laboured, for which its rewards are
+      ingratitude, injustice and banishment. A country although now
+      presenting a prospect frightful to the eyes of humanity, yet once
+      the nurse of science, of arts, of heroes, and of freeman--a
+      country which although at present apparently self devoted to
+      destruction, we fondly hope may yet tread back the steps of infamy
+      and ruin, and once more rise conspicuous among the free nations of
+      the earth. In this advanced period of your life, when nature
+      demands the sweets of tranquility, you have been constrained to
+      encounter the tempestous deep, to risk disappointed prospects in a
+      foreign land, to give up the satisfaction of domestic quiet, to
+      tear yourself from the friends of your youth, from a numerous
+      acquaintance who revere and love you, and will long deplore your
+      loss.
+
+    We enter, Sir, with emotion and sympathy into the numerous
+      sacrifices you must have made, to an undertaking which so
+      eminently exhibits our country as an asylum for the persecuted and
+      oppressed, and into those regretful sensibilities your heart
+      experienced when the shores of your native land were lessening to
+      your view.
+
+    Alive to the impressions of this occasion we give you a warm and
+      hearty welcome into these United States. We trust a country worthy
+      of you; where Providence has unfolded a scene as new as it is
+      august, as felicitating as it is unexampled. The enjoyment of
+      liberty with but one disgraceful exception, pervades every class
+      of citizens. A catholic and sincere spirit of toleration regulates
+      society which rises into zeal when the sacred rights of humanity
+      are invaded. And there exists a sentiment of free and candid
+      inquiry which disdains shackles of tradition, promising a rich
+      harvest of improvement and the glorious triumphs of truth. We
+      hope, Sir, that the Great Being whose laws and works you have
+      made the study of your life, will smile upon and bless
+      you--restore you to every domestic and philosophical enjoyment,
+      prosper you in every undertaking, beneficial to mankind, render
+      you, as you have been to your own, the ornament of this country,
+      and crown you at last with immortal felicity and honour.
+
+And to this the venerable scientist was pleased to say:
+
+  Gentlemen,
+
+    I think myself greatly honoured, flying as I do, from ill
+      treatment in my native country, on account of my attachment to the
+      cause of civil and religious liberty, to be received with the
+      congratulations of "a Society of Freemen associated to cultivate
+      the love of liberty, and the enjoyment of a happy Republican
+      government." Happy would our venerable ancestors, as you justly
+      call them, have been, to have found America such a retreat for
+      them as it is to me, when they were driven hither; but happy has
+      it proved to me, and happy will it be for the world, that in the
+      wise and benevolent order of Providence, abuses of power are ever
+      destructive of itself, and favourable to liberty. Their strenuous
+      exertions and yours now give me that asylum which at my time of
+      life is peculiarly grateful to me, who only wish to continue
+      unmolested those pursuits of various literature to which, without
+      having ever entered into any political connexions my life has been
+      devoted.
+
+    I join you in viewing with regret the unfavourable prospect of
+      Great Britain formerly, as you say, the nurse of science, and of
+      freemen, and wish with you, that the unhappy delusion that country
+      is now under may soon vanish, and that whatever be the form of its
+      government it may vie with this country in everything that is
+      favourable to the best interests of mankind, and join with you in
+      removing that only disgraceful circumstance, which you justly
+      acknowledge to be an exception to the enjoyment of equal liberty,
+      among yourselves. That the Great Being whose providence extends
+      alike to all the human race, and to whose disposal I cheerfully
+      commit myself, may establish whatever is good, and remove whatever
+      is imperfect from your government and from every government in
+      the known world, is the earnest prayer of,
+
+    Gentlemen,
+
+        Your respectful humble servant.
+
+As Priestley had ever gloried in the fact that he was a teacher, what
+more appropriate in this period of congratulatory welcome, could have
+come to him than the following message of New York's teaching body:
+
+    The associated Teachers in the city of New York beg leave to offer
+      you a sincere and hearty welcome to this land of tranquility and
+      freedom.
+
+    Impressed with the idea of the real importance of so valuable an
+      acquisition to the growing interests of science and literature, in
+      this country, we are particularly happy that the honour of your
+      first reception, has fallen to this state, and to the city of New
+      York.
+
+    As labourers in those fields which you have occupied with the most
+      distinguished eminence, at the arduous and important task of
+      cultivating the human mind, we contemplate with peculiar
+      satisfaction the auspicious influence which your personal
+      residence in this country, will add to that of your highly
+      valuable scientific and literary productions, by which we have
+      already been materially benefited.
+
+    We beg leave to anticipate the happiness of sharing in some
+      degree, that patronage of science and literature, which it has
+      ever been your delight to afford. This will give facility to our
+      expressions; direct and encourage us in our arduous employments;
+      assist us to form the man, and thereby give efficacy to the
+      diffusion of useful knowledge.
+
+    Our most ardent wishes attend you, good Sir, that you may find in
+      this land a virtuous simplicity, a happy recess from the
+      intriguing politics and vitiating refinements of the European
+      world. That your patriotic virtues may add to the vigour of our
+      happy Constitution and that the blessings of this country may be
+      abundantly remunerated into your person and your family.
+
+    And we rejoice in believing, that the Parent of Nature, by those
+      secret communications of happiness with which he never fails to
+      reward the virtuous mind, will here convey to you that
+      consolation, support, and joy, which are independent of local
+      circumstances, and "Which the world can neither give nor take
+      away."
+
+Touched, indeed was Priestley by this simple, outspoken greeting from
+those who appreciated his genuine interest in the cause of education.
+Hence his reply was in a kindred spirit:
+
+    A welcome to this country from my fellow labourers in the
+      instruction of youth, is, I assure you, peculiarly grateful to me.
+      Classes of men, as well as individuals, are apt to form too high
+      ideas of their own importance; but certainly one of the most
+      important is, that which contributes so much as ours do to the
+      cummunication of useful knowledge, as forming the characters of
+      men, thereby fitting them for their several stations in society.
+      In some form or other this has been my employment and delight; and
+      my principal object in flying for an asylum to this country, "a
+      land," as I hope you justly term it, "of virtuous simplicity, and
+      a recess from the intriguing politics, and vicious refinements of
+      the European world," is that I may, without molestation, pursue my
+      favourite studies. And if I had an opportunity of making choice of
+      an employment for what remains of active exertion in life, it
+      would be one in which I should as I hope I have hitherto done,
+      contribute with you, to advance the cause of science, of virtue,
+      and of religion.
+
+Further, The Medical Society of the State of New York through Dr. John
+Charlton, its President, said:
+
+    PERMIT us, Sir, to wait upon you with an offering of our sincere
+      congratulations, on your safe arrival, with your lady and family
+      in this happy country, and to express our real joy, in receiving
+      among us, a gentleman, whose labours have contributed so much to
+      the diffusion and establishment of civil and religious liberty,
+      and whose deep researches into the true principles of natural
+      philosophy, have derived so much improvement and real benefit, not
+      only to the sciences of chemistry and medicine, but to various
+      other arts, all of which are necessary to the ornament and utility
+      of human life.
+
+    May you, Sir, possess and enjoy, here, uninterrupted contentment
+      and happiness, and may your valuable life be continued a farther
+      blessing to mankind.
+
+And in his answer Dr. Priestley remarked:
+
+    I THINK myself greatly honoured in being congratulated on my
+      arrival in this country by a Society of persons whose studies bear
+      some relation to my own. To continue, without fear of molestation,
+      on account of the most open profession of any sentiments, civil or
+      religious, those pursuits which you are sensible have for their
+      object the advantage of all mankind, (being, as you justly
+      observe, "necessary to the ornament and utility of human life") is
+      my principal motive for leaving a country in which that
+      tranquility and sense of security which scientificial pursuits
+      require, cannot be had; and I am happy to find here, persons who
+      are engaged in the same pursuits, and who have the just sense that
+      you discover of their truly enviable situation.
+
+As a climax to greetings extended in the City of New York, The
+Republican Natives of Great Britain and Ireland resident in that city
+said,
+
+    WE, the Republican natives of Great Britain and Ireland, resident
+      in the city of New York, embrace, with the highest satisfaction,
+      the opportunity which your arrival in this city presents, of
+      bearing our testimony to your character and virtue and of
+      expressing our joy that you come among us in circumstances of such
+      good health and spirits.
+
+    We have beheld with the keenest sensibility, the unparallelled
+      persecutions which attended you in your native country, and have
+      sympathized with you under all their variety and extent. In the
+      firm hope, that you are now completely removed from the effects of
+      every species of intolerance, we most sincerely congratulate you.
+
+    After a fruitless opposition to a corrupt and tyrannical
+      government, many of us have, like you, sought freedom and
+      protection in the United States of America; but to this we have
+      all been principally induced, from the full persuasion, that a
+      republican representative government, was not merely best adapted
+      to promote human happiness, but that it is the only rational
+      system worthy the wisdom of man to project, or to which his reason
+      should assent.
+
+    Participating in the many blessings which the government of this
+      country is calculated to insure, we are happy in giving it this
+      proof of our respectful attachment:--We are only grieved, that a
+      system of such beauty and excellence, should be at all tarnished
+      by the existence of slavery in any form; but as friends to the
+      Equal Rights of Man, we must be permitted to say, that we wish
+      these Rights extended to every human being, be his complexion what
+      it may. We, however, look forward with pleasing anticipation to a
+      yet more perfect state of society; and, from that love of liberty
+      which forms so distinguishing a trait in American character, are
+      taught to hope that this last--this worse disgrace to a free
+      government, will finally and forever be done away.
+
+    While we look back on our native country with emotions of pity and
+      indignation at the outrages which humanity has sustained in the
+      persons of the virtuous Muir, and his patriotic associates; and
+      deeply lament the fatal apathy into which our countrymen have
+      fallen; we desire to be thankful to the Great Author of our being
+      that we are in America, and that it has pleased Him, in his Wise
+      Providence, to make the United States an asylum not only from the
+      immediate tyranny of the British Government, but also from those
+      impending calamities, which its increasing despotism and
+      multiplied iniquities, must infallibly bring down on a deluded and
+      oppressed people.
+
+    Accept, Sir, of our affectionate and best wishes for a long
+      continuance of your health and happiness.
+
+The answer of the aged philosopher to this address was:
+
+    I think myself peculiarly happy in finding in this country so many
+      persons of sentiments similar to my own, some of whom have
+      probably left Great Britain or Ireland on the same account, and to
+      be so cheerfully welcomed by them on my arrival. You have already
+      had experience of the difference between the governments of the
+      two countries, and I doubt not, have seen sufficient reason to
+      give the decided preference that you do to that of this. There all
+      liberty of speech and of the press as far as politics are
+      concerned, is at an end, and a spirit of intolerance in matters of
+      religion is almost as high as in the time of the Stuarts. Here,
+      having no countenance from government, whatever may remain of this
+      spirit, from the ignorance and consequent bigotry, of former
+      times, it may be expected soon to die away; and on all subjects
+      whatever, every man enjoys invaluable liberty of speaking and
+      writing whatever he pleases.
+
+    The wisdom and happiness of Republican governments and the evils
+      resulting from hereditary monarchical ones, cannot appear in a
+      stronger light to you than they do to me. We need only look to the
+      present state of Europe and of America, to be fully satisfied in
+      this respect. The former will easily reform themselves, and among
+      other improvements, I am persuaded, will be the removal of that
+      vestige of servitude to which you allude, as it so ill accords
+      with the spirit of equal liberty, from which the rest of the
+      system has flowed; whereas no material reformation of the many
+      abuses to which the latter are subject, it is to be feared, can be
+      made without violence and confusion.
+
+    I congratulate you, gentlemen, as you do me, on our arrival in a
+      country in which men who wish well to their fellow citizens, and
+      use their best endeavours to render them the most important
+      services, men who are an honour to human nature and to any
+      country, are in no danger of being treated like the worst felons,
+      as is now the case in Great Britain.
+
+    Happy should I think myself in joining with you in welcoming to
+      this country every friend of liberty, who is exposed to danger
+      from the tyranny of the British Government, and who, while they
+      continue under it, must expect to share in those calamities, which
+      its present infatuation must, sooner or later, bring upon it. But
+      let us all join in supplications to the Great Parent of the
+      Universe, that for the sake of the many excellent characters in
+      our native country its government may be reformed, and the
+      judgments impending over it prevented.
+
+The hearty reception accorded Dr. Priestley met in due course with a
+cruel attack upon him by William Cobbett, known under the pen-name of
+Peter Porcupine, an Englishman, who after arrival in this country
+enjoyed a rather prosperous life by formulating scurrilous
+literature--attacks upon men of prominence, stars shining brightly in
+the human firmament.
+
+An old paper, the _Argus_, for the year 1796, said of this Peter
+Porcupine:
+
+    When this political caterpillar was crawling about at St. John's,
+      Nova Scotia, in support of his Britannic Majesty's glorious cause,
+      against the United States, and holding the rank of serjeant major
+      in the 54th regiment, then quartered in that land, "flowing with
+      milk and honey," and GRINDSTONES, and commanded by Colonel Bruce;
+      it was customary for some of the officers to hire out the soldiers
+      to the country people, instead of keeping them to military duty,
+      and to pocket the money themselves. Peter found he could make a
+      _speck_ out of this, and therefore kept a watchful eye over the
+      sins of his superiors. When the regiment was recalled and had
+      returned to England--Peter, brimful of amor patriæ, was about to
+      prefer a complaint against the officers, when they came down with
+      a round sum of the ready rino, and a promise of his discharge, in
+      case of secrecy.--This so staggered our incorruptible and
+      independent hero and quill driver, that he agreed to the terms,
+      received that very honorable discharge, mentioned with so much
+      emphasis, in the history of his important life--got cash enough to
+      come to America, by circuitous route and to set himself up with
+      the necessary implements of scandal and abuse.
+
+    This flea, this spider, this corporal, has dared to point his
+      impotent spleen at the memory of that illustrious patriot,
+      statesman and philosopher, Benjamin Franklin.
+
+    Let the buzzing insect reflect on this truth--that
+
+    "Succeeding times great Franklin's works shall quote,
+    When 'tis forgot--this Peter ever wrote."
+
+And the _Advertiser_ declared:
+
+    Peter Porcupine is one of those writers who attempt to deal in
+      wit--and to bear down every Republican principle by satire--but he
+      miserably fails in both, for his wit is as stale as his satire,
+      and his satire as insipid as his wit. He attempts to ridicule Dr.
+      Franklin, but can any man of sense conceive any poignancy in
+      styling this great philosopher, "poor Richard," or "the old
+      lightning rod." Franklin, whose researches in philosophy have
+      placed him preeminent among the first characters in this country,
+      or in Europe: is it possible then that such a contemptible wretch
+      as Peter Porcupine, (who never gave any specimen of his
+      philosophy, but in bearing with Christian patience a severe
+      whipping at the public post) can injure the exalted reputation of
+      this great philosopher? The folly of the Editor of the Centinal,
+      is the more conspicuous, in inserting his billingsgate abuse in a
+      Boston paper, when this town, particularly the TRADESMAN of it are
+      reaping such advantages from Franklin's liberality. The Editor of
+      the Centinal ought to blush for his arrogance in vilifying this
+      TRADESMEN'S FRIEND, by retailing the scurrility of so wretched a
+      puppy as Peter Porcupine.
+
+    As to Dr. Priestley, the Editor was obliged to apologise in this
+      particular--but colours it over as the effusions of genius--poor
+      apology, indeed to stain his columns with scurrility and abuse,
+      and after finding the impression too notoriously infamous,
+      attempts to qualify it, sycophantic parenthesis.
+
+    The names of Franklin and Priestley will be enrolled in the
+      catalogue of worthies, while the wretched Peter Porcupine, and
+      his more wretched supporters, will sink into oblivion, unless the
+      register of Newgate should be published, and their memories be
+      raked from the loathsome rubbish as spectres of universal
+      destestation.
+
+And the London Monthly Review (August 10, 1796) commented as follows on
+Porcupine's animadversions upon Priestley:
+
+    Frequently as we have differed in opinion from Dr. Priestley, we
+      should think it an act of injustice to his merit, not to say that
+      the numerous and important services which he has rendered to
+      science, and the unequivocal proofs which he has given of at least
+      honest intention towards religion and Christianity ought to have
+      protected him from such gross insults as are poured upon him in
+      this pamphlet. Of the author's literary talent, we shall say but
+      little: the phrases, "setting down to count the cost"--"the rights
+      of the man the greatest bore in nature"--the appellation of
+      rigmarole ramble, given to a correct sentence of Dr.
+      Priestley--which the author attempts to criticise--may serve as
+      specimens of his language.
+
+    The pitiful attempt at wit, in his vulgar fable of the pitcher
+      haranguing the pans and jordans, will give him little credit as a
+      writer, with readers of an elegant taste.--No censure, however,
+      can be too severe for a writer who suffers the rancour of party
+      spirit to carry him so far beyond the bounds of justice, truth and
+      decency, as to speak of Dr. Priestley as an admirer of the
+      massacres of France, and who would have wished to have seen the
+      town of Birmingham like that of Lyons, razed, and all its
+      industrious and loyal inhabitants butchered as a man whose conduct
+      proves that he has either an understanding little superior to that
+      of an idiot, or the heart of Marat: in short, as a man who fled
+      into banishment covered with the universal destestation of his
+      countrymen. The spirit, which could dictate such outrageous abuse,
+      must disgrace any individual and any party.
+
+Even before Porcupine began his abuse of Priestley, there appeared
+efforts intended no doubt to arouse opposition to him and dislike for
+him. One such, apparently very innocent in its purpose, appeared
+shortly after Priestley's settlement in Northumberland. It may be seen
+in _the Advertiser_, and reads thus:
+
+    The divinity of Jesus Christ proved in a publication to be sold by
+      Francis Bayley in Market Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets, at
+      the sign of the _Yorick's Head_--being a reply to Dr. Joseph
+      Priestley's appeal to the serious and candid professors of
+      Christianity.
+
+The New York addresses clearly indicated the generous sympathy of hosts
+of Americans for Priestley. They were not perfunctory, but genuinely
+genuine. This brought joy to the distinguished emigrant, and a sense of
+fellowship, accompanied by a feeling of security.
+
+More than a century has passed since these occurrences, and the reader
+of today is scarcely stirred by their declarations and appeals. Changes
+have come, in the past century, on both sides of the great ocean. Almost
+everywhere reigns the freedom so devoutly desired by the fathers of the
+long ago. It is so universal that it does not come as a first thought.
+Other changes, once constantly on men's minds have gradually been made.
+
+How wonderful has been the development of New York since Priestley's
+brief sojourn in it. How marvelously science has grown in the great
+interim. What would Priestley say could he now pass up and down the
+famous avenues of our greatest City?
+
+His decision to live in America, his labors for science in this land,
+have had a share in the astounding unfolding of the dynamical
+possibilities of America's greatest municipality.
+
+The Priestleys were delighted with New York. They were frequent dinner
+guests of Governor Clinton, whom they liked very much and saw often, and
+they met with pleasure Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill, the Professor of
+Chemistry in Columbia.
+
+Amidst the endless fetes, attendant upon their arrival, there existed a
+desire to go forward. The entire family were eager to arrive at their
+real resting place--the home prepared by the sons who had preceded them
+to this Western world. Accordingly, on June 18, 1794, they left New
+York, after a fortnight's visit, and the _Advertiser_ of Philadelphia,
+June 21, 1794, contained these lines:
+
+    Last Thursday evening arrived in town from New York the justly
+      celebrated philosopher Dr. Joseph Priestley.
+
+Thus was heralded his presence in the City of his esteemed, honored
+friend, Franklin, who, alas! was then in the spirit land, and not able
+to greet him as he would have done had he still been a living force in
+the City of Brotherly Love. However, a very prompt welcome came from the
+American Philosophical Society, founded (1727) by the immortal savant,
+Franklin.
+
+The President of this venerable Society, the oldest scientific Society
+in the Western hemisphere, was the renowned astronomer, David
+Rittenhouse, who said for himself and his associates:
+
+    THE American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia for
+      promoting useful knowledge, offer you their sincere
+      congratulations on your safe arrival in this country. Associated
+      for the purposes of extending and disseminating those improvements
+      in the sciences and the arts, which most conduce to substantial
+      happiness of Man, the Society felicitate themselves and their
+      country, that your talents and virtues, have been transferred to
+      this Republic. Considering you as an illustrious member of this
+      institution: Your colleagues anticipate your aid, in zealously
+      promoting the objects which unite them; as a virtuous man,
+      possessing eminent and useful acquirements, they contemplate with
+      pleasure the accession of such worth to the American Commonwealth,
+      and looking forward to your future character of a citizen of this,
+      your adopted country, they rejoice in greeting, as such, an
+      enlightened Republican.
+
+    In this free and happy country, those unalienable rights, which
+      the Author of Nature committed to man as a sacred deposit, have
+      been secured: Here, we have been enabled, under the favour of
+      Divine Providence, to establish a government of Laws, and not of
+      Men; a government, which secures to its citizens equal Rights, and
+      equal Liberty, and which offers an asylum to the good, to the
+      persecuted, and to the oppressed of other climes.
+
+    May you long enjoy every blessing which an elevated and highly
+      cultivated mind, a pure conscience, and a free country are capable
+      of bestowing.
+
+And, in return, Priestley remarked.
+
+    IT is with peculiar satisfaction that I receive the
+      congratulations of my brethren of the Philosophical Society in
+      this City, on my arrival in this country. It is, in great part,
+      for the sake of pursuing our common studies without molestation,
+      though for the present you will allow, with far less advantage,
+      that I left my native country, and have come to America; and a
+      Society of Philosophers, who will have no objection to a person on
+      account of his political or religious sentiments, will be as
+      grateful, as it will be new to me. My past conduct, I hope, will
+      show, that you may depend upon my zeal in promoting the valuable
+      objects of your institution; but you must not flatter yourself, or
+      me, with supposing, that, at my time of life, and with the
+      inconvenience attending a new and uncertain settlement, I can be
+      of much service to it.
+
+    I am confident, however, from what I have already seen of the
+      spirit of the people of this country, that it will soon appear
+      that Republican governments, in which every obstruction is removed
+      to the exertion of all kinds of talent, will be far more
+      favourable to science, and the arts, than any monarchical
+      government has ever been. The patronage to be met with there is
+      ever capricious, and as often employed to bear down merit as to
+      promote it, having for its real object, not science or anything
+      useful to mankind, but the mere reputation of the patron, who is
+      seldom any judge of science. Whereas a Public which neither
+      flatters nor is to be flattered will not fail in due time to
+      distinguish true merit and to give every encouragement that it is
+      proper to be given in the case. Besides by opening as you
+      generously do an asylum to the persecuted and "oppressed of all
+      climes," you will in addition to your own native stock, soon
+      receive a large accession of every kind of merit, philosophical
+      not excepted, whereby you will do yourselves great honour and
+      secure the most permanent advantage to the community.
+
+Doubtless in the society of so many worthy Philadelphians, the
+Priestleys were happy, for they had corresponded with not a few of them.
+
+The longing for Northumberland became very great and one smiles on
+reading that the good Doctor thought "Philadelphia by no means so
+agreeable as New York ... Philadelphia would be very irksome to me....
+It is only a place for business and to get money in." But in this City
+he later spent much of his time.
+
+It was about the middle of July, 1794, that the journey to
+Northumberland began, and on September 14, 1794, Priestley wrote of
+Northumberland "nothing can be more delightful, or more healthy than
+this place."
+
+Safely lodged among those dear to him one finds much pleasure in
+observing the great philosopher's activities. The preparation of a home
+for himself and his wife and the unmarried members of the family was
+uppermost in his mind. But much time was given to correspondence with
+loyal friends in England. Chief among these were the Reverends Lindsey
+and Belsham. The letters to these gentlemen disclose the plans and
+musings of the exile. For instance, in a communication to the former,
+dated September 14, 1794, he wrote:
+
+    The professor of chemistry in the College of Philadelphia is
+      supposed to be on his death-bed ... in the case of a vacancy, Dr.
+      Rush thinks I shall be invited to succeed him. In this case I must
+      reside four months in one year in Philadelphia, and one principal
+      inducement with me to accept of it will be the opportunity I shall
+      have of forming an Unitarian Congregation....
+
+And a month later he observed to the same friend:
+
+    Philadelphia is unpleasant, unhealthy, and intolerably
+      expensive.... Every day I do something towards the continuation of
+      my Church History.... I have never read so much Hebrew as I have
+      since I left England....
+
+He visited freely in the vicinity of Northumberland, spending much time
+in the open. Davy, a traveler, made this note:
+
+    Dr. Priestley visited us at Sunbury, looks well and cheerful, has
+      left off his perriwig, and combs his short grey locks, in the true
+      style of the simplicity of the country.... Dined very pleasantly
+      with him. He has bought a lot of eleven acres (exclusively of that
+      which he is building on), which commands a delightful view of all
+      the rivers, and both towns, i.e. Sunbury and Northumberland and
+      the country. It cost him 100£ currency.
+
+It was also to Mr. Lindsey that he communicated, on November 12, 1794, a
+fact of no little interest, even today, to teachers of Chemistry in
+America. It was:
+
+    I have just received an invitation to the professorship of
+      chemistry at Philadelphia ... when I considered that I must pass
+      four months of every year from home, my heart failed me; and I
+      declined it. If my books and apparatus had been in Philadelphia, I
+      might have acted differently, but part of them are now arrived
+      here, and the remainder I expect in a few days, and the expense
+      and risk of conveyance of such things from Philadelphia hither is
+      so great, that I cannot think of taking them back ... and in a
+      year or two, I doubt not, we shall have a college established
+      here.
+
+It was about this time that his youngest son, Harry, in whom he
+particularly delighted, began clearing 300 acres of cheap land, and in
+this work the philosopher was greatly interested; indeed, on occasions
+he actually participated in the labor of removing the timber. Despite
+this manual labor there were still hours of every day given to the
+Church History, and to his correspondence which grew in volume, as he
+was advising inquiring English friends, who thought of emigrating, and
+very generally to them he recommended the perusal of Dr. Thomas Cooper's
+
+    "Advice to those who would remove to America--"
+
+Through this correspondence, now and then, there appeared little
+animadversions on the quaint old town on the Delaware, such as
+
+    I never saw a town I liked less than Philadelphia.
+
+Could this dislike have been due to the fact that--
+
+    Probably in no other place on the Continent was the love of bright
+      colours and extravagance in dress carried to such an extreme.
+      Large numbers of the Quakers yielded to it, and even the very
+      strict ones carried gold-headed canes, gold snuff-boxes, and wore
+      great silver buttons on their drab coats and handsome buckles on
+      their shoes.
+
+And
+
+    Nowhere were the women so resplendant in silks, satins, velvets,
+      and brocades, and they piled up their hair mountains high.
+
+Furthermore--
+
+    The descriptions of the banquets and feasts ... are appalling.
+
+    John Adams, when he first came down to Philadelphia, fresh from
+      Boston, stood aghast at this life into which he was suddenly
+      thrown and thought it must be sin. But he rose to the occasion,
+      and, after describing in his diary some of the "mighty feasts" and
+      "sinful feasts" ... says he drank Madeira "at a great rate and
+      found no inconvenience."
+
+It would only be surmise to state what were the Doctor's reasons for his
+frequent declaration of dislike for Philadelphia.
+
+The winter of 1794-1795 proved much colder "than ever I knew it in
+England," but he cheerfully requested Samuel Parker to send him a
+hygrometer, shades or bell-glasses, jars for electrical batteries, and
+
+    a set of glass tubes with large bulbs at the end, such as I used
+      in the experiments I last published on the generation of _Air_
+      from water.
+
+Most refreshing is this demand upon a friend. It indicates the keen
+desire in Priestley to proceed with experimental studies, though
+surroundings and provisions for such undertakings were quite
+unsatisfactory. The spirit was there and very determined was its
+possessor that his science pursuits should not be laid totally aside.
+His attitude and course in this particular were admirable and exemplary.
+Too often the lack of an abundance of equipment and the absence of many
+of the supposed essentials, have been deterrents which have caused men
+to abandon completely their scientific investigations. However, such was
+not the case with the distinguished exile, and for this he deserved all
+praise.
+
+From time to time, in old papers and books of travel, brief notes
+concerning Priestley appear. These exhibit in a beautiful manner the
+human side of the man. They cause one to wish that the privilege of
+knowing this worthy student of chemical science might have been enjoyed
+by him. For example, a Mr. Bakewell chanced upon him in the spring of
+1795 and recorded:
+
+    I found him (Priestley) a man rather below the middle size,
+      straight and plain, wearing his own hair; and in his countenance,
+      though you might discern the philosopher, yet it beamed with so
+      much simplicity and freedom as made him very easy of access.
+
+It is also stated in Davy's "Journal of Voyage, etc."--
+
+    The doctor enjoys a game at whist; and although he never hazards a
+      farthing, is highly diverted with playing good cards, but never
+      ruffled by bad ones.
+
+In May, 1795, Priestley expressed himself as follows:
+
+    As to the experiments, I find I cannot do much till I get my own
+      house built. At present I have all my books and instruments in one
+      room, in the house of my son.
+
+This is the first time in all his correspondence that reference is made
+to experimental work. It was in 1795. As a matter of course every
+American chemist is interested to know when he began experimentation in
+this country.
+
+In the absence of proper laboratory space and the requisite apparatus,
+it is not surprising that he thought much and wrote extensively on
+religious topics, and further he would throw himself into political
+problems, for he addressed Mr. Adams on restriction "in the
+naturalization of foreigners." He remarked that--
+
+    Party strife is pretty high in this country, but the Constitution
+      is such that it cannot do any harm.
+
+To friends, probably reminding him of being "unactive, which affects me
+much," he answered:
+
+    As to the chemical lectureship (in Philadelphia) I am convinced I
+      could not have acquitted myself in it to proper advantage. I had
+      no difficulty in giving a general course of chemistry at Hackney
+      (England), lecturing only once a week; but to give a lecture every
+      day for four months, and to enter so particularly into the subject
+      as a course of lectures in a medical University (Pennsylvania)
+      requires, I was not prepared for; and my engagements there would
+      not, at my time of life, have permitted me to make the necessary
+      preparations for it; if I could have done it at all. For, though I
+      have made discoveries in some branches of chemistry, I never gave
+      much attention to the common routine of it, and know but little
+      of the common processes.
+
+Is not this a refreshing confession from the celebrated discoverer of
+oxygen? The casual reader would not credit such a statement from one who
+August 1, 1774, introduced to the civilized world so important an
+element as oxygen. Because he did not know the "common processes" of
+chemistry and had not concerned himself with the "common routine" of it,
+led to his blazing the way among chemical compounds in his own fashion.
+Many times since the days of Priestley real researchers after truth have
+proceeded without compass and uncovered most astonishing and remarkable
+results. They had the genuine research spirit and were driven forward by
+it. Priestley knew little of the labyrinth of analysis and cared less;
+indeed, he possessed little beyond an insatiable desire to unfold
+Nature's secrets.
+
+Admiration for Priestley increases on hearing him descant on the people
+about him--on the natives--
+
+    Here every house-keeper has a garden, out of which he raises
+      almost all he wants for his family. They all have cows, and many
+      have horses, the keeping of which costs them little or nothing in
+      the summer, for they ramble with bells on their necks in the
+      woods, and come home at night. Almost all the fresh meat they have
+      is salted in the autumn, and a fish called _shads_ in the spring.
+      This salt shad they eat at breakfast, with their tea and coffee,
+      and also at night. We, however, have not yet laid aside our
+      English customs, and having made great exertion to get fresh meat,
+      it will soon come into general use.
+
+Proudly must he have said--
+
+    My youngest son, Harry, works as hard as any farmer in the country
+      and is as attentive to his farm, though he is only eighteen....
+      Two or three hours I always work in the fields along with my
+      son....
+
+And, then as a supplement, for it was resting heavily on his mind, he
+added--
+
+    What I chiefly attend to now is my Church History ... but I make
+      some experiments every day (July 12, 1795), and shall soon draw up
+      a paper for the Philosophical Society at Philadelphia.
+
+Early in December of 1795 he entrusted a paper, intended for the
+American Philosophical Society to the keeping of Dr. Young, a gentleman
+from Northumberland en route for Europe. Acquainting his friend Lindsey
+of this fact, he took occasion to add--
+
+    I have much more to do in my laboratory, but I am under the
+      necessity of shutting up for the winter, as the frost will make it
+      impossible to keep my water fit for use, without such provision as
+      I cannot make, till I get my own laboratory prepared on purpose,
+      when I hope to be able to work alike, winter and summer.
+
+Dr. Young carried two papers to Philadelphia. The first article treated
+of "Experiments and Observations relating to the Analysis of
+Atmospherical Air," and the second "Further Experiments relating to the
+Generation of Air from Water." They filled 20 quarto pages of Volume 4
+of the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society. On reading
+them the thought lingers that these are the first contributions of the
+eminent philosopher from his American home. Hence, without reference to
+their value, they are precious. They represent the results of inquiries
+performed under unusual surroundings. It is very probable that
+Priestley's English correspondents desired him to concentrate his
+efforts upon experimental science. They were indeed pleased to be
+informed of his Church History, and his vital interest in religion, but
+they cherished the hope that science would in largest measure displace
+these literary endeavors. Priestley himself never admitted this, but
+must have penetrated their designs, and, recognizing the point of their
+urging, worked at much disadvantage to get the results presented in
+these two pioneer studies. Present day students would grow impatient in
+their perusal, because of the persistent emphasis placed on phlogiston,
+dephlogisticated air, phlogisticated air, and so forth. In the very
+first paper, the opening lines show this:
+
+    It is an essential part of the antiphlogistic theory, that in all
+      the cases of what I have called _phlogistication_ of _air_, there
+      is simply an absorption of the dephlogisticated air, or, as the
+      advocates of that theory term it, the oxygen contained in it,
+      leaving the _phlogisticated_ part, which they call _azote_, as it
+      originally existed in the atmosphere. Also, according to this
+      system, _azote_ is a simple substance, at least not hitherto
+      analyzed into any other.
+
+No matter how deeply one venerates Priestley, or how great honor is
+ascribed to him, the question continues why the simpler French view was
+not adopted by this honest student. Further, as an ardent admirer one
+asks why should Priestley pen the next sentence:
+
+    They, therefore, suppose that there is a determinate proportion
+      between the quantities of oxygen, and azote in every portion of
+      atmospherical air, and that all that has hitherto been done has
+      been to separate them from one another. This proportion they state
+      to be 27 parts of oxygen and 73 parts of azote, in 100 of
+      atmospherical air.
+
+Priestley knew that there was a "determinate proportion." He was not,
+however, influenced by quantitative data.
+
+Sir Oliver Lodge said[4]--
+
+    Priestley's experiments were admirable, but his perception of
+      their theoretical relations was entirely inadequate and, as we
+      now think, quite erroneous.... In theory he had no instinct for
+      guessing right ... he may almost be said to have had a
+      predilection for the wrong end.
+
+At present the French thought is so evident that it seems
+incomprehensible that Priestley failed to grasp it, for he continues--
+
+    In every case of the diminution of atmospherical air in which this
+      is the result, there appears to me to be something emitted from
+      the substance, which the antiphlogistians suppose to act by simple
+      absorption, and therefore that it is more probable that there is
+      some substance, and the same that has been called _philogiston_,
+      or the _principle of inflammability_ ... emitted, and that this
+      phlogiston uniting with part of the dephlogisticated air forms
+      with it part of the phlogisticated air, which is found after the
+      process.
+
+Subsequently (1798), he advised the Society that he had executed other
+experiments which corroborated those outlined in his first two papers,
+adding--
+
+    Had the publication of your _Transactions_ been more frequent, I
+      should with much pleasure have submitted to the Society a full
+      account of these and other experiments which appear to me to
+      prove, that metals are compound substances, and that water has not
+      yet been decomposed by any process that we are acquainted with.
+      Still, however, I would not be very positive, as the contrary is
+      maintained by almost all the chemists of the age....
+
+And thus he proceeds, ever doing interesting things, but blind to the
+patent results because he had phlogiston constantly before him. He
+looked everywhere for it, followed it blindly, and consequently
+overlooked the facts regarded as most significant by his opponents,
+which in the end led them to correct conclusions.
+
+The experimental results in the second paper also admit of an
+interpretation quite the opposite of that deduced by Priestley. He
+confidently maintained that air was invariably generated from water,
+because he discovered it and liberated it from water which he was
+certain did not contain it in solution. He was conscientious in his
+inferences. Deeply did his friends deplore his inability to see more
+than a single interpretation of his results!
+
+The papers were read before the American Philosophical Society on the
+19th of February, 1796. Their author as they appear in print, is the
+Rev. Dr. J. Priestley. It is doubtful whether he affixed this signature.
+More probable is it that the Secretary of the Society was responsible,
+and, because he thought of Priestley in the rôle of a Reverend gentleman
+rather than as a scientific investigator.
+
+Here, perhaps, it may be mentioned that the first, the very first
+communication from Priestley's pen to the venerable Philosophical
+Society, was read in 1784. It was presented by a friend--a Mr. W.
+Vaughan, whose family in England were always the staunchest of
+Priestley's supporters. And it is not too much to assume that it was the
+same influence which one year later (1785) brought about Priestley's
+election to membership in the Society, for he was one of "28 new
+members" chosen in January of that year.
+
+There are evidences of marked friendliness to Priestley all about the
+Hall of the Society, for example his profile in Plaster of Paris,
+"particularly valuable for the resemblance" to the Doctor, which was
+presented in 1791; a second "profile in black leather" given by Robert
+Patterson, a President of the Society, and an oil portrait of him from
+Mrs. Dr. Caspar Wistar.
+
+His appearance in person, when for the first time he sat among his
+colleagues of the Society, was on the evening of February 19, 1796--the
+night upon which the two papers, commented upon in the last few
+paragraphs were presented, although he probably did not read them
+himself, this being done by a friend or by the secretary. Sixteen
+members were present. Among these were some whose names have become
+familiar elsewhere, such as Barton, Woodhouse and others. Today, the
+presence in the same old Hall of a renowned scientist, from beyond the
+seas, would literally attract crowds. Then it was not the fashion. But
+probably he had come unannounced and unheralded. Further, he was
+speaking at other hours on other topics in the city.
+
+It is not recorded that he spoke before the philosophers. Perhaps he
+quietly absorbed their remarks and studied them, although he no doubt
+was agreeably aroused when Mr. Peale presented
+
+      to the Society a young son of four months and four days old, being
+      the first child born in the Philosophical Hall, and requested that
+      the Society would give him a name. On which the Society
+      unanimously agreed that, after the name of the chief founder and
+      late President of the Society, he should be called Franklin.
+
+In anticipation of any later allusion to Priestley's sojourn in
+Philadelphia be it observed that he attended meetings of the American
+Philosophical Society three times in 1796, twice in 1797, three times in
+1801 and once in 1803, and that on February 3rd, 1797, he was chosen to
+deliver the annual oration before the Society, but the Committee
+reported that
+
+      they waited on Dr. Priestley last Monday afternoon, who received
+      the information with great politeness, but declined accepting of
+      the appointment.
+
+This lengthy digression must now be interrupted. It has gone almost too
+far, yet it was necessary in order that an account of the early
+experimental contributions of the exile might be introduced
+chronologically. As already remarked, Americans are most deeply
+interested in everything Priestley did during his life in this country
+and particularly in his scientific activities.
+
+On resuming the story of the routine at Northumberland in the closing
+months of the year 1795, there comes the cry from an agonized heart,--
+
+    We have lost poor Harry!
+
+This was the message to a Philadelphia resident--a friend from old
+England. The loss, for such it emphatically was, affected the Doctor and
+Mrs. Priestley very deeply. This particular son was a pride to them and
+though only eighteen years old had conducted his farm as if he had been
+bred a farmer.
+
+    He was uncommonly beloved by all that worked under him.
+
+His home was just outside of the borough of Northumberland. It was the
+gift of his father. His interment in "a plot of ground" belonging to the
+Society of Friends is thus described by Mr Bakewell:
+
+    I attended the funeral to the lonely spot, and there I saw the
+      good old father perform the service over the grave of his son. It
+      was an affecting sight, but he went through it with fortitude, and
+      after praying, addressed the attendants in a few words, assuring
+      them that though death had separated them here, they should meet
+      again in another and a better life.
+
+The correspondence to friends in England was replete with accounts of
+lectures which were in process of preparation. They were discourses on
+the Evidences of Revelation and their author was most desirous of
+getting to Philadelphia that he might there deliver them. At that time
+this City was full of atheism and agnosticism. Then, too, the hope of
+establishing a Unitarian Church was ever in Priestley's thoughts. How
+delightful it is to read, February 12th, 1796--
+
+    I am now on my way to Philadelphia.
+
+When he left it in 1794 he was rather critical of it, but now after
+three days he arrived there. It was
+
+    a very good journey, accompanied by my daughter-in-law, in my
+      son's Yarmouth waggon, which by means of a seat constructed of
+      straw, was very easy.
+
+Yes, back again to the City which was the only city in this country ever
+visited by him. Although at times he considered going to New York, and
+even to Boston, Philadelphia was to become his Mecca. In it he was to
+meet the most congenial scientific spirits, and to the younger of these
+he was destined to impart a new inspiration for science, and for
+chemical science in particular. At the close of the three days' journey
+he wrote--
+
+    I am a guest with Mr. Russell.... We found him engaged to drink
+      tea with President Washington, where we accompanied him and spent
+      two hours as in any private family. He (Washington) invited me to
+      come at any time, without ceremony. Everything is the reverse of
+      what it is with you.
+
+This was his first meeting with Washington. The spirit of the occasion
+impressed him. The democratic behavior of the great Federalist must have
+astonished him, if he ever entertained, as Lord Brougham would have us
+believe, a hostile opinion and thought him ungrateful because he would
+not consent to make America dependent upon France.
+
+Priestley's eagerness to preach was intense, and happy must he have been
+on the day following his arrival, when his heart's wish was gratified.
+He preached in the church of Mr. Winchester--
+
+      to a very numerous, respectable, and very attentive audience.
+
+Many were members of Congress, and according to one witness--
+
+    The Congregation that attended were so numerous that the house
+      could not contain them, so that as many were obliged to stand as
+      sit, and even the doorways were crowded with people. Mr.
+      Vice-President Adams was among the regular attendants.
+
+All this greatly encouraged the Doctor. His expectations for the
+establishment of a Unitarian congregation were most encouraging. He
+declared himself ready to officiate every winter without salary if he
+could lodge somewhere with a friend. The regular and punctual attendance
+of Mr. Adams pleased him so much that he resolved on printing his
+sermons, for they were in great demand, and to dedicate the same to the
+Vice-President. He was also gratified to note that the "violent
+prejudice" to him was gradually being overcome. Today we smile on
+recalling the reception accorded the good Doctor in his early days in
+Philadelphia. We smile and yet our hearts fail to understand just why he
+should have been so ostracised. To confirm this it may be noted that on
+one occasion Priestley preached in a Presbyterian Chapel, very probably
+in Northumberland, when one of the ministers was so displeased--
+
+      that he declared if they permitted him any more, he would never
+      enter the puplit again.
+
+And in 1794 on coming the first time to Philadelphia he wrote
+
+    There is much jealousy and dread of me.
+
+How shameful and yet it was most real. Bakewell narrates that
+
+    "I went several times to the Baptist meeting in Second Street,
+      under the care of Dr. Rogers. This man burst out, and bade the
+      people beware, for 'a Priestley had entered the land;' and then,
+      crouching down in a worshiping attitude, exclaimed, 'Oh, Lamb of
+      God! how would they pluck thee from thy throne!'"
+
+The public prints flayed Rogers, and even the staid old Philosophical
+Society indicated to him that such conduct ill became a member of that
+august body. Accordingly humiliated he repented his error and in time
+became strongly attached to Priestley, concerning whom he told this
+story to a Mr. Taylor whose language is here given:
+
+    The Doctor (Priestley) would occasionally call on Dr. Rogers, and
+      without any formal invitation, pass an evening at his house. One
+      afternoon he was there when Dr. Rogers was not at home, having
+      been assured by Mrs. Rogers that her husband would soon be there.
+      Meanwhile, Mr. ----, a Baptist minister, called on Dr. Rogers, and
+      being a person of rough manners, Mrs. Rogers was a good deal
+      concerned lest he should say something disrespectful to Dr.
+      Priestley in case she introduced the Doctor to him. At last,
+      however, she ventured to announce Dr. Priestley's name, who put
+      out his hand; but instead of taking it the other immediately drew
+      himself back, saying, as if astonished to meet with Dr. Priestley
+      in the home of one of his brethren, and afraid of being
+      contaminated by having any social intercourse with him, 'Dr.
+      Priestley! I can't be cordial.'
+
+    It is easy to imagine that by this speech Mrs. Rogers was greatly
+      embarrassed. Dr. Priestley, observing this, instantly relieved her
+      by saying, and with all that benevolent expression of countenance
+      and pleasantness of manner for which he was remarkable, 'Well,
+      well, Madam, you and I can be cordial; and Dr. Rogers will soon be
+      with us, Mr. ---- and he can converse together, so that we shall
+      all be very comfortable.' Thus encouraged, Mrs. Rogers asked Dr.
+      Priestley some questions relative to the Scripture prophecies, to
+      which he made suitable replies; and before Dr. Rogers arrived,
+      Mr. ---- was listening with much attention, sometimes making a
+      remark or putting in a question. The evening was passed in the
+      greatest harmony, with no inclination on the part of Mr. ---- to
+      terminate the conversation. At last Dr. Priestley, pulling out his
+      watch, informed Mr. ---- that as it was _ten_ o'clock it was time
+      that two old men like them were at their quarters. The other at
+      first was not willing to believe that Dr. Priestley's watch was
+      accurate; but finding that it was correct, he took his leave with
+      apparent regret, observing that he had never spent a shorter and
+      more pleasant evening. He then went away, Dr. Priestley
+      accompanying him, until it became necesary to separate. Next
+      morning he called on his friend, Dr. Rogers, when he made the
+      following frank and manly declaration: 'You and I well know that
+      Dr. Priestley is quite wrong in regard to his theology, but
+      notwithstanding this, he is a great and good man, and I behaved to
+      him at our first coming together like a fool and a brute.'
+
+Many additional evidences might be introduced showing that the Doctor
+was slowly winning his way among the people. It must also be remembered
+that not all of his associates were of the clerical group but that he
+had hosts of scientists as sincere and warm supporters. In Woodhouse's
+laboratory he was ever welcome and there must have met many congenial
+spirits who never discussed politics or religion. This was after the
+manner of the Lunar Society in Birmingham in which representatives of
+almost every creed came together to think of scientific matters. Hence,
+it is quite probable that Priestley's visit to Philadelphia was on the
+whole full of pleasure.
+
+He was also in habits of close intimacy with Dr. Ewing, Provost of the
+University of Pennsylvania, and with the Vice-Provost, Dr. John
+Andrews, as well as with Dr. Benjamin Rush who had long been his friend
+and with whom he corresponded at frequent intervals after his arrival in
+America. To him Priestley had confided his hope of getting a college in
+Northumberland and inquired,--
+
+    Would the State give any encouragement to it?
+
+To Rush he also wrote excusing
+
+      my weakness (for such you will consider it) when, after giving you
+      reason to expect that I would accept the professorship of
+      Chemistry, if it was offered to me, I now inform you that I must
+      decline it.
+
+Now and then he also advised him of such experiments as he was able to
+do; for example--
+
+    I made trial of the air of Northumberland by the test of nitrous
+      air, but found it not sensibly different from that of England.
+
+In the leisure he enjoyed his figure was often seen in Congress. He
+relished the debates which at the time were on the Treaty with England.
+He declared he heard as good speaking there as in the House of Commons.
+He observed--
+
+    A Mr. Amos speaks as well as Mr. Burke; but in general the
+      speakers are more argumentative, and less rhetorical. And whereas
+      there are with you not more than ten or a dozen tolerable
+      speakers, here every member is capable of speaking.
+
+While none of the letters to Priestley's friends mention a family event
+of some importance the _American Advertiser_, February 13, 1796,
+announced that
+
+    Mr. William Priestley, second son of the celebrated Dr. Joseph
+      Priestley, was married to the agreeable Miss Peggy Foulke, a young
+      lady possessed with every quality to render the marriage state
+      happy.
+
+This occurred very probably just before the Doctor set forth from
+Northumberland to make his first Philadelphia visit. It is singular that
+little is said of the son William by the Doctor. Could it be that, in
+some way, he may have offended his parent? In his _Memorial_ Rush,
+writing in the month of March, 1796, noted:
+
+    Saw Dr. Priestley often this month. Attended him in a severe
+      pleurisy. He once in his sickness spoke of his second son,
+      William, and wept very much.
+
+Busy as he was in spreading his religious tenets, in fraternizing with
+congenial scientific friends, his thoughts would involuntarily turn back
+to England:
+
+    Here, though I am as happy as this country can make me ... I do
+      not feel as I did in England.
+
+By May, 1796, he had finished his discourses, although he proposed
+concluding with one emphatically Unitarian in character. This was
+expected by his audience, which had been quietly prepared for it and
+received it with open minds and much approval.
+
+On his return to Northumberland he promptly resumed his work on the
+"Church History," but was much disturbed because of the failure of his
+correspondents in writing him regularly, so he became particularly
+active in addressing them. But better still he punctuated his
+composition of sermons, the gradual unfolding of his Church History, and
+religious and literary studies in general, with experimental
+diversions, beginning with the publication (1796) of an octavo brochure
+of 39 pages from the press of Dobson in Philadelphia, in which he
+addressed himself more especially to Berthollet, de la Place, Monge,
+Morveau, Fourcroy and others on "Considerations on the Doctrine of
+Phlogiston and the Decomposition of Water." It is the old story in a
+newer dress. Its purpose was to bring home to Americans afresh his
+particular ideas. The reviewer of the _Medical Repository_ staff was
+evidently impressed by it, for he said:
+
+    It must give pleasure to every philosophical mind to find the
+      United States becoming the theatre of such interesting discussion,
+
+and then adds that the evidence which was weighty enough to turn such
+men as Black and others from the phlogiston idea to that of Lavoisier--
+
+    has never yet appeared to Dr. Priestley considerable enough to
+      influence his judgment, or gain his assent.
+
+Priestley, as frequently observed, entertained grave doubts in regard to
+the constitution of metals. He thought they were "compounded" of a
+certain earth, or calx, and phlogiston. Further he believed that when
+the phlogiston flew away, "the splendour, malleability, and ductility"
+of the metal disappeared with it, leaving behind a calx. Again, he
+contended that when metals dissolved in acids the liberated "inflammable
+air" (hydrogen) did not come from the 'decompounded water' but from the
+phlogiston emitted by the metal.
+
+Also, on the matter of the composition and decomposition of water, he
+held very opposite ideas. The French School maintained "that hydrogenous
+and oxygenous airs, incorporated by drawing through them the electrical
+spark turn to _water_," but Priestley contended that "they combine into
+_smoking nitrous acid_." And thus the discussion proceeded, to be
+answered most intelligently, in 1797, by Adet,[5] whose arguments are
+familiar to all chemists and need not therefore be here repeated. Of
+more interest was the publication of two lectures on Combustion by
+Maclean of Princeton. They filled a pamphlet of 71 pages. It appeared in
+1797, and was, in brief, a refutation of Priestley's presentations, and
+was heartily welcomed as evidence of the "growing taste in America for
+this kind of inquiry." Among other things Maclean said of the various
+ideas regarding combustion--"Becker's is incomplete, Stahl's though
+ingenious, is defective; the antiphlogistic is simple, consistent and
+sufficient, while Priestley's resembling Stahl's but in name, is
+complicated, contradictory and inadequate."
+
+Not all American chemists were ready to side track the explanations of
+Priestley. The distinguished Dr. Mitchill wrote Priestley on what he
+designated "an attempt to accommodate the Disputes among Chemists
+concerning Phlogiston." This was in November, 1797. It is an ingenious
+effort which elicited from Priestley (1798) his sincere thanks, and the
+expressed fear that his labours "will be in vain." And so it proved.
+Present day chemists would acquiesce in this statement after reading
+Mitchill's "middle-of-the-road" arguments. They were not satisfactory to
+Maclean and irritated Priestley.
+
+In June 1798 a second letter was written by Priestley to Mitchill. In it
+he emphasized the substitution of zinc for "finery cinder." From it he
+contended inflammable air could be easily procured, and laid great
+stress on the fact that the "inflammable air" came from the metal and
+not from the water. He wondered why Berthollet and Maclean had not
+answered his first article. To this, a few days later, Mitchill replied
+that he felt there was confusion in terms and that the language
+employed by the various writers had introduced that confusion; then for
+philological reasons and to clarify thoughts Mitchill proposed to strike
+out _azote_ from the nomenclature of the day and take _septon_ in its
+place; he also wished to expunge hydrogene and substitute phlogiston. He
+admitted that Priestley's experiments on zinc were difficult to explain
+by the antiphlogistic doctrine, adding--
+
+    It would give me great satisfaction that we could settle the
+      points of variance on this subject; though, even as it is, I am
+      flattered by your (Priestley's) allowing my attempt 'to reconcile
+      the two theories to be ingenious, plausible and well-meant....
+      Your idea of carrying on a philosophical discussion in an amicable
+      manner is charming'....
+
+But the peace-maker was handling a delicate problem. He recognized this,
+but desired that the pioneer studies, then in progress might escape
+harsh polemics. This was difficult of realization for less than a month
+later fuel was added to the fire by Maclean, when in writing Mitchill,
+who had sent him Priestley's printed letter, he emphatically declared
+that
+
+    The experiment with the zinc does not seem to be of more
+      consequence than that with the iron and admits of an easy
+      explanation on antiphlogistic principles.
+
+And he further insisted that the experiments of Priestley proved water
+to be composed "of hydrogene and oxygene."
+
+Four days later (July 20, 1798) Priestley wrote Mitchill that he had
+replaced zinc by red precipitate and did not get water on decomposing
+inflammable air with the precipitate. Again, August 23, 1798, he related
+to Mitchill
+
+      that the modern doctrine of water consisting of _oxygene_ and
+      _hydrogene_ is not well founded ... water is the basis of all
+      kinds of air, and without it no kind of air can be produced ...
+      not withstanding the great use that the French chemists make of
+      scales and weights, they do not pretend to weigh either their
+      _calorique_ or _light_; and why may not _phlogiston_ escape their
+      researches, when they employ the same instruments in that
+      investigation?
+
+There were in all eight letters sent by Priestley to Mitchill. They
+continued until February, 1799. Their one subject was phlogiston and
+its rôle in very simple chemical operations. The observations were the
+consequence
+
+      of original and recent experiments, to which I have given a good
+      part of the leisure of the last summer; and I do not propose to do
+      more on the subject till I hear from the great authors of the
+      theory that I combat in America;
+
+but adds,--
+
+    I am glad ... to find several advocates of the system in this
+      country, and some of them, I am confident, will do themselves
+      honour by their candour, as well as by their ability.
+
+This very probably was said as a consequence of the spirited reply James
+Woodhouse[6] made to the papers of Maclean. As known, Woodhouse worked
+unceasingly to overthrow the doctrine of phlogiston, but was evidently
+irritated by Maclean, whom he reminds--
+
+    You are not yet, Doctor, the conqueror of this veteran in
+      Philosophy.
+
+This was a singularly magnanimous speech on Woodhouse's part, for he had
+been hurling sledgehammer blows without rest at the structure
+Priestley thought he had reared about phlogiston and which, he believed,
+most unassailable, so when in 1799 (July) Priestley began his reply to
+his "Antiphlogistian opponents" he took occasion to remark:
+
+    I am happy to find in Dr. Woodhouse one who is equally ingenious
+      and candid; so that I do not think the cause he has undertaken
+      will soon find a more able champion, and I do not regret the
+      absence of M. Berthollet in Egypt.
+
+Noble words these for his young adversary who, in consequence of
+strenuous laboratory work, had acquired a deep respect and admiration
+for Priestley's achievements, though he considered he had gone far
+astray.
+
+The various new, confirmatory ideas put forth by Priestley need not be
+here enumerated. They served their day.
+
+Dr. Mitchill evidently enjoyed this controversial chemical material, for
+he wrote that he hoped the readers of the _Medical Repository_, in which
+the several papers appeared, would
+
+      participate the pleasure we feel on taking a retrospect of our
+      pages, and finding the United States the theatre of so much
+      scientific disquisition.
+
+And yet, when in 1800, a pamphlet of 90 pages bearing the title "The
+Doctrine of Phlogiston established, etc." appeared there was
+consternation in the ranks of American chemists. Woodhouse was aroused.
+He absolutely refuted every point in it experimentally, and Dr. Mitchill
+avowed--
+
+    We decline entering into a minute examination of his experiments,
+      as few of his recitals of them are free from the _triune_ mystery
+      of phlogiston, which exceeds the utmost stretch of our faith; for
+      according to it, _carbon is phlogiston_, and _hydrogen is
+      phlogiston_, and _azote is phlogiston_; and yet there are not
+      _three_ phlogistons, but _one_ phlogiston!
+
+It was imperative to submit the preceding paragraphs on chemical topics,
+notwithstanding they have, in a manner, interrupted the chronological
+arrangement of the activities of the Doctor in his home life. They were,
+it is true, a part of that life--a part that every chemist will note
+with interest and pleasure. They mean that he was not indifferent to
+chemistry, and that it is not to be supposed that he ever could be,
+especially as his visits to Philadelphia brought to his attention
+problems which he would never suffer to go unanswered or unsolved
+because of his interest in so many other things quite foreign to them.
+However, a backward look may be taken before resuming the story of his
+experimental studies.
+
+It has already been said that the non-appearance of letters caused him
+anxiety. For instance he wrote Lindsey, July 28, 1796--
+
+    It is now four months since I have received any letter from you,
+      and it gives me most serious concern.
+
+But finally the longed-for epistle arrived and he became content,
+rejoicing in being able to return the news--
+
+    I do not know that I have more satisfaction from anything I ever
+      did, than from the lay Unitarian congregation I have been the
+      means of establishing in Philadelphia.
+
+For the use of this group of worshipers he had engaged the Common Hall
+in the College (University of Pennsylvania).
+
+But amidst this unceasing activity of body and mind--very evidently
+extremely happy in his surroundings--he was again crushed to earth by
+the death of his noble wife--
+
+    Always caring for others and never for herself.
+
+This occurred nine months after the departure of Harry. It was a fearful
+blow. For more than thirty-four years they had lived most happily
+together. The following tribute, full of deep feeling and esteem attests
+this--
+
+    My wife being a woman of an excellent understanding much improved
+      by reading, of great fortitude and strength of mind, and of a
+      temper in the highest degree affectionate and generous.... Also
+      excelling in everything relating to household affairs, she
+      entirely relieved me of all concern of that kind, which allowed me
+      to give all my time to the prosecution of my studies.
+
+She was not only a true helpmate--courageous and devoted--but certainly
+most desirous that the husband in whom she absolutely believed should
+have nothing to interrupt or arrest the pursuits dear to him and in
+which she herself must have taken great but quiet pride, for she was
+extremely intelligent and original. Madam Belloc has mentioned
+
+    It is a tradition in the family that Mrs. Priestley once sent her
+      famous husband to market with a large basket and that he so
+      acquitted himself that she never sent him again!
+
+The new house, partly planned by her, at the moment well advanced and to
+her fancy, was not to be her home for which she had fondly dreamed.
+
+Priestley was deeply depressed but his habitual submission carried him
+through, although all this is pathetically concealed in his letters.
+
+There were rumours flitting about that Priestley purposed returning to
+England. That his friends might be apprised of his real intentions the
+following letter was permitted to find its way into the newspapers:
+
+                              Northumberland Oct. 4,
+                                                1796
+
+      My dear Sir,
+
+    Every account I have from England makes me think myself happy in
+      this peaceful retirement, where I enjoy almost everything I can
+      wish in this life, and where I hope to close it, though I find it
+      is reported, both here and in England that I am about to return.
+      The two heavy afflictions I have met with here, in the death of a
+      son, and of my wife, rather serve to attract me to the place.
+      Though dead and buried, I would not willingly leave them, and hope
+      to rest with them, when the sovereign disposer of all things shall
+      put a period to my present labours and pursuits.
+
+    The advantages we enjoy in this country are indeed very great.
+      Here we have no poor; we never see a beggar, nor is there a family
+      in want. We have no church establishment, and hardly any taxes.
+      This particular State pays all its officers from a treasure in the
+      public funds. There are very few crimes committed and we travel
+      without the least apprehension of danger. The press is perfectly
+      free, and I hope we shall always keep out of war.
+
+    I do not think there ever was any country in a state of such rapid
+      improvement as this at present; but we have not the same
+      advantages for literary and philosophical pursuits that you have
+      in Europe, though even in this respect we are every day getting
+      better. Many books are now printed here, but what scholars chiefly
+      want are old books, and these are not to be had. We hope, however,
+      that the troubles of Europe will be the cause of sending us some
+      libraries and they say that it is an ill wind that blows no
+      profit.
+
+    I sincerely wish, however, that your troubles were at an end, and
+      from our last accounts we think there must be a peace, at least
+      from the impossibility of carrying on the war.
+
+    With every good wish to my country and to yourself, I am, dear
+      sir,
+
+                              Yours sincerely,
+
+                                  J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Gradually the news went forth that the Doctor contemplated a second
+visit to the metropolis--Philadelphia, the Capital of the young
+Republic. He wrote--
+
+    Having now one tie, and that a strong one, to this place
+      (Northumberland) less than I have had I propose to spend more time
+      in Philadelphia.
+
+As long as he was capable of public speaking it was his desire to carry
+forward his missionary work,
+
+      but the loss of my fore teeth (having now only two in the upper
+      jaw) together with my tendency to stammering, which troubles me
+      sometimes, is much against me.
+
+Accordingly in early January of 1797 he might have been found there. He
+alludes in his correspondence to the presence in the city of C. Volney,
+a French philosopher and historian, who had been imprisoned but regained
+liberty on the overthrow of Robespierre when he became professor of
+history in the _Ecole Normal_. Volney was not particularly pleased with
+Priestley's discourses, and took occasion some weeks later to issue
+
+    VOLNEY'S ANSWER TO PRIESTLEY
+
+which was advertised by the _Aurora_ as on sale by the principal
+booksellers, price 6 cents.
+
+He was exceedingly rejoiced at the flourishing state of the Unitarian
+Society and the manner in which its services were conducted.
+
+On the occasion of his first discourse the English Ambassador, Mr.
+Lister, was in the audience and Priestley dined with him the day
+following.
+
+Friends had prevailed upon Priestley to preach a charity sermon on his
+next Sunday, in one of the Episcopal churches, but in the end it was
+"delivered at the University Hall."
+
+His mind was much occupied with plans for controverting infidelity,
+
+      the progress of which here is independent of all reasoning,--
+
+so he published the third edition of his "Observations on the Increase
+of Infidelity" and an "Outline of the Evidences of Revealed Religion."
+In the first of them he issued a challenge to Volney who was
+
+      much looked up to by unbelievers here.
+
+Volney's only reply was that he would not read the pamphlet. It was in
+these days that Priestley saw a great deal of Thomas Jefferson; indeed,
+the latter attended several of his sermons. The intercourse of these
+friends was extremely valuable to both. Jefferson welcomed everything
+which Priestley did in science and consulted him much on problems of
+education.
+
+At the election in the American Philosophical Society in the closing
+days of 1796 there was openly discussed
+
+      whether to choose me (Priestley) or Mr. Jefferson, President of
+      the Society,--
+
+which prompted the Doctor
+
+      to give his informant good reasons why they should not choose
+      _me_.
+
+Naturally he listened to the political talk. He worried over the
+apparent dislike observed generally to France. He remarked
+
+    The rich not only wish for alliance offensive and defensive with
+      England ... but would have little objection to the former
+      dependence upon it,
+
+and
+
+    The disposition of the lower orders of the people ... for the
+      French ... is not extinguished.
+
+He was much annoyed by Peter Porcupine. The latter was publishing a
+daily paper (1799) and in it frequently brought forward Priestley's name
+in the most opprobrious manner, although Priestley in his own words--
+
+      had nothing to do with the politics of the country.
+
+The Doctor advised friend Lindsey that
+
+    He (Porcupine) every day, advertizes his pamphlet against me, and
+      after my name adds, "commonly known by the name of the fire-brand
+      philosopher."
+
+However, he flattered himself that he would soon be back in
+Northumberland, where he would be usefully engaged, as
+
+    I have cut myself out work for a year at least ... besides
+      attending to my experiments.
+
+Mr. Adams had come into the Presidency, so Priestley very properly went
+to pay his respects and
+
+      take leave of the late President (Washington)
+
+whom he thought in not very good spirits, although
+
+      he invited me to Mount Vernon and said he thought he should hardly
+      go from home twenty miles as long as he lived.
+
+Priestley's fame was rapidly spreading through the land. Thoughtful men
+were doing him honor in many sections of the country, as is evident from
+the following clipping from a Portland (Me.) paper for March 27, 1797:--
+
+    On Friday the twenty-fourth a number of gentlemen, entertaining a
+      high sense of the character, abilities and services of the
+      Reverend Doctor JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, as a friend and promoter of true
+      science dined together at the Columbian Tavern, in commemoration
+      of his birth. The following toasts were given.
+
+    1. That Illustrious Christian and Philosopher, Joseph Priestley:
+       May the world be as grateful to him for his services as his
+       services are beneficial to the world.
+
+    2. May the names of Locke, Newton, Montesquieu, Hartley and
+       Franklin be had in everlasting remembrance.
+
+    3. The great gift of God to man, Reason! May it influence the
+       world in policy, in laws, and in religion.
+
+    4. TRUTH: May the splendour of her charms dissipate the gloom of
+       superstition, and expel hypocricy from the heart of man.
+
+    5. May our laws be supported by religion: but may religion never be
+       supported by law.
+
+    6. White-robed Charity: May she accompany us in all our steps and
+       cover us with a mantle of love.
+
+    7. Christians of all denominations: May they "love one another."
+
+    As it was a "feast of reason" the purest philanthrophy dignified
+      the conversation; and moderation and temperance bounded every
+      effusion of the heart.
+
+It was in the summer of 1797 that he carried forward his work on
+Phlogiston, alluded to on p. 81. He understood quite well that the
+entire chemical world was against him but he was not able to find good
+reasons
+
+      to despair of the old system.
+
+It must be remembered that in these days, also, he had Thomas Cooper
+with him. With this gentleman he discussed his scientific studies and
+with him also he carried on many arguments upon the burning subject of
+infidelity, about which he continuously wrote his friends in this
+country and in England. It was quite generally believed that Cooper was
+an infidel. Never, however, did their intimacy suffer in the slightest
+by their conflicting views.
+
+The _Church History_ continued to hold Priestley's first thought. He was
+a busy student, occupied with a diversity of interests and usually
+cheerful and eager to follow up new lines of endeavor. The arrival of
+vessels from the home country was closely watched. Books and apparatus
+were brought by them. While, as observed, he was singularly cheerful and
+happy, he confessed at times that
+
+      my character as a philosopher is under a cloud.
+
+Yet, this was but a momentary depression, for he uttered in almost the
+same breath--
+
+    Everything will be cleared up in a reasonable time.
+
+Amid the constant daily duties he found real solace in his scientific
+pursuits; indeed when he was quite prepared to abandon all his
+activities he declared of his experiments that he could not stop them
+for
+
+    I consider them as that study of the works of the great Creator,
+      which I shall resume with more advantage hereafter.
+
+He advised his friends Lindsey and Belsham--
+
+    I cannot express what _I_ feel on receiving your letters. They set
+      my thoughts afloat, so that I can do nothing but ruminate a
+      long time; but it is a most pleasing melancholy.
+
+Far removed from European events he was nevertheless ever keen and alert
+concerning them. Then the winter of 1797 appears to have been very
+severe. His enforced confinement to home probably gave rise to an
+introspection, and a slight disappointment in matters which had formerly
+given him pleasure. For example, he puzzled over the fact that on his
+second visit to Philadelphia, Mr. Adams was present but once at his
+lectures, and remarks--
+
+    When my lectures were less popular, and he was near his
+      presidentship, he left me, making a kind of apology, from the
+      members of the principal Presbyterian Church having offered him a
+      pew there. He seemed to interest himself in my favour against M.
+      Volney, but did not subscribe to my Church History ... I suppose
+      he was not pleased that I did not adopt his dislike of the French.
+
+When January of 1798 arrived his joy was great. A box of books had come.
+Among them was a General Dictionary which he regarded as a real
+treasure. Reading was now his principal occupation. He found the making
+of many experiments irksome and seemed, all at once, "quite averse to
+having his hands so much in water." Presumably these were innocent
+excuses for his devotion to the Church History which had been brought up
+to date. Furthermore he was actually contemplating transplanting himself
+to France. But with it all he wrote assiduously on religious topics, and
+was highly pleased with the experimental work he had sent to Dr.
+Mitchill (p. 85).
+
+He advised his friends of the "intercepted letters" which did him much
+harm when they were published. They called down upon him severest
+judgement and suspicion, and made him--
+
+      disliked by all the friends of the ruling power in this country.
+
+It may be well to note that these "intercepted letters" were found on a
+Danish ship, inclosed in a cover addressed to
+
+      DR. PRIESTLEY, IN AMERICA
+
+They came from friends, English and French, living in Paris. They
+abounded
+
+      with matter of the most serious reflection.... If the animosity of
+      these apostate Englishmen against their own country, their
+      conviction that no submissions will avert our danger, and their
+      description of the engines employed by the Directory for our
+      destruction, were impressed as they ought to be, upon the minds of
+      all our countrymen, we should certainly never again be told of the
+      innocent designs of these traitors, or their associates--
+
+The preceding quotation is from a booklet containing exact copies of the
+"intercepted letters."
+
+In the first of the letters, dated Feb. 12, 1798, the correspondent of
+Priestley tells that he had met a young Frenchman who had visited
+Northumberland
+
+      and we all rejoiced at the aggreeable information that at the
+      peace you would not fail to revisit Europe; and that he hoped you
+      would fix yourself in this country (France). Whether you fix
+      yourself here or in England, (_as England will then be_) is
+      probably a matter of little importance ... but we all think you are
+      misplaced where you are, though, no doubt, in the way of
+      _usefulness_--
+
+The editor of the letters annotates _usefulness_ thus:
+
+    Dr. Priestley is _in the way of usefulness_ in America, because he
+      is labouring there, as his associates are in Europe, to disunite
+      the people from their government, and to introduce the blessings
+      of French anarchy.
+
+These "intercepted letters" in no way prove that Dr. Priestley was
+engaged in any movement against his native land or against his adopted
+country. However, the whole world was in an uproar. People were ready to
+believe the worst regarding their fellows, so it is not surprising that
+he should have declared himself "disliked."
+
+He alludes frequently to the marvelous changes taking place in the
+States. Everything was in rapid motion. Taxes were the topic of
+conversation on all sides.
+
+To divert his philosophizing he busied himself in his laboratory where
+many "original experiments were made." He avoided the crowd. There was
+too great a party spirit. Indeed, there was violence, so he determined
+not to visit Philadelphia. He sought to escape the "rancorous abuse"
+which was being hurled at him--
+
+      as a citizen of France.
+
+One must read his correspondence to fully appreciate Priestley during
+the early days of 1799. What must have been his mental condition when he
+wrote Lindsey--
+
+    As to a public violent death the idea of that does not affect me
+      near so much
+
+and
+
+    I cannot express what I feel when I receive and read your letters.
+      I generally shed many tears over them.
+
+There was no assurance in financial and commercial circles. The hopes of
+neither the more sober, nor of the wild and fanatic reformers of
+humanity could be realized, and they got into such a war of hate and
+abuse that they themselves stamped their doctrines false.
+
+Priestley was out of patience with the public measures of the country.
+He disliked them as much as he did those of England, but added
+
+    Here the excellence of the Constitution provides a remedy, if the
+      people will make use of it, and if not, they deserve what they
+      suffer.
+
+The Constitution was a favorite instrument with him. A most interesting
+lecture upon it will be found among the _Discourses_ which he proposed
+delivering in Philadelphia. This never occurred.
+
+The Academy he expected to see in operation failed for support. The
+walls were raised and he feared it would go no further. The Legislature
+had voted it $3000, but the Senate negatived this act. He thought of
+giving up the presidency of it.
+
+He wrote Dr. Rush that he was quite busy with replies to Dr. Woodhouse's
+attack on his confirmation of the existence of phlogiston, (p. 88). He
+relished his discussions with Woodhouse and was confident that
+eventually he would "overturn the French system of chemistry." He
+further remarked to Rush--
+
+    Were you at liberty to make an excursion as far as these _back
+      woods_ I shall be happy to see you, and so would many others.
+
+But at that particular moment Rush was too much engaged in combating
+yellow fever, which again ravaged Philadelphia, and all who could, fled,
+and the streets were "lifeless and dead." The prevalence of this fearful
+plague was a potent factor in Priestley's failure to visit the City
+during the year--the last year of a closing Century which did not end in
+the prosperity anticipated for it in the hopeful months and years
+following the war. It seemed, in many ways, to be the end of an era.
+Washington died December 14, 1799, and the Federalists' tenure of power
+was coming to a close. The Jeffersonians, aided by eight of the
+electoral votes of Pennsylvania, won the victory, amid outbursts of
+unprecedented political bitterness. It was, therefore, very wise that
+the Doctor remained quietly at home in Northumberland with his
+experiments and Church History.
+
+The new Century--the 19th--found our beloved philosopher at times quite
+proud of the success he had with his experiments and full of genuine
+hope that "phlogiston" was established; and again dejected because of
+the "coarse and low articles" directed against him by the prints of the
+day. To offset, in a measure, the distrust entertained for him because
+of the "intercepted letters" he addressed a series of _Letters_ to the
+inhabitants of Northumberland and vicinity. These were explanatory of
+his views. At home they were most satisfying but in the city they
+brought upon him "more abuse." And, so, he translated a passage from
+Petrarch which read--
+
+      By civil fueds exiled my native home,
+      Resign'd, though injured, hither I have come.
+      Here, groves and streams, delights of rural ease;
+      Yet, where the associates, wont to serve and please;
+      The aspect bland, that bade the heart confide?
+      Absent from these, e'en here, no joys abide.
+
+And these were incorporated in his brochure.
+
+Having alluded to the _Letters_ addressed to the Northumberland folks,
+it may be proper to introduce a letter which Priestley received from Mr.
+Jefferson, whom the former was disposed to hold as "in many respects
+the first man in this Country:"
+
+                        Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1800.
+
+  Dear Sir--
+
+    I thank you for the pamphlets (Letters) you were so kind as to
+      send me. You will know what I thought of them by my having before
+      sent a dozen sets to Virginia, to distribute among my friends; yet
+      I thank you not the less for these, which I value the more as they
+      came from yourself.
+
+    The papers of Political Arithmetic, both in yours and Mr. Cooper's
+      pamphlets, are the most precious gifts that can be made to us; for
+      we are running navigation-mad, and commerce-mad, and Navy-mad,
+      which is worst of all. How desirable it is that you should pursue
+      that subject for us. From the porcupines of our country you will
+      receive no thanks, but the great mass of our nation will edify,
+      and thank you.
+
+    How deeply have I been chagrined and mortified at the persecutions
+      which fanaticism and monarchy have excited against you, even here!
+      At first, I believed it was merely a continuance of the English
+      persecution; but I observe that, on the demise of Porcupine, and
+      the division of his inheritance between Fenno and Brown, the
+      latter (though succeeding only to the Federal portion of
+      Porcupinism, not the Anglican, which is Fenno's part) serves up
+      for the palate of his sect dishes of abuse against you as
+      high-seasoned as Porcupine's were. You have sinned against Church
+      and King, and therefore can never be forgiven. How sincerely I
+      have regretted that your friend, before he fixed a choice of
+      position, did not visit the valleys on each side of the blue range
+      in Virginia, as Mr. Madison and myself so much wished. You would
+      have found there equal soil, the finest climate, and the most
+      healthy air on the earth, the homage of universal reverence and
+      love, and the power of the country spread over you as a shield;
+      but, since you would not make it your Country by adoption, you
+      must now do it by your good offices.
+
+Mr. Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, so approved the "Letters"
+that he got a new edition of them printed at Albany.
+
+The following letter to this same gentleman, although upon another
+subject than the "Letters" is not devoid of interest. It has come into
+the writer's hands through the kind offices of Dr. Thomas L. Montgomery,
+State Librarian of Pennsylvania:
+
+  Sir,
+
+    I think myself much honoured by your letter, and should have
+      thought myself singularly happy if my situation had been near to
+      such a person as you. Persons engaged in scientific pursuits are
+      few in this country. Indeed, they are not very numerous anywhere.
+      In other respects I think myself very happy where I am.
+
+    I have never given much attention to machines of any kind, and
+      therefore cannot pretend to decide concerning your proposal for
+      the improvement of the fire engine. It appears to me to deserve
+      attention. But I do not for want of a drawing see in what manner
+      the steam is to be let into the cylinder, or discharged from it.
+      There would be, I fear, an objection to it from the force
+      necessary to raise the column of mercury, and from the evaporation
+      of the mercury in the requisite heat. I have found that it loses
+      weight in 70° Fahrenheit. If the mercury was pure, I should not
+      apprehend much from the calcination of it, though, as I have
+      observed, the agitation of it in water, converts a part of it into
+      a black powder, which I propose to examine farther.
+
+    If travelling was attended with no fewer inconveniences here than
+      it is in England, I should certainly wait upon you and some other
+      friends at New York. But this, and my age, render it impossible,
+      and it would be unreasonable to expect many visitors in this _back
+      woods_.
+
+    I shall be very happy to be favoured with your correspondence, and
+      am,
+
+                                    Sir,
+
+                                Yours sincerely,
+
+                                  J. PRIESTLEY
+
+Northumberland April 16, 1799.
+
+In this period Thomas Cooper was convicted of libel. He was thrown into
+prison. Priestley regarded him as a rising man in the Country.[7] He
+said the act was the last blow of the Federal party "which is now broke
+up."
+
+Priestley's daughter, in England, was ill at this time. Her life was
+despaired of and tidings from her were few and most distressing, but the
+Doctor maintained a quiet and calm assurance of her recovery.
+
+Subsequent correspondence between Mr. Jefferson and Priestley had much
+in it about the new College which the former contemplated for the State
+of Virginia. Indeed, the thought was entertained that Priestley himself
+might become a professor in it, but his advanced age, he contended
+forbade this, although he was agreeable to the idea of getting
+professors from Europe.
+
+Here, perhaps, may well be included several letters, now in possession
+of the Library of Congress, which reveal the attitude of Dr. Priestley
+toward President Jefferson, who was indeed most friendly to him:
+
+  Dear Sir--
+
+    I am flattered by your thinking so favourably of my _pamphlets_,
+      which were only calculated to give some satisfaction to my
+      suspicious neighbours. Chancellor Livingston informs me that he
+      has got an edition of them printed at Albany, for the information
+      of the people in the back country, where, he says, it is so much
+      wanted. Indeed, it seems extraordinary, that in such a country as
+      this, where there is no court to dazzle men's eyes a maxim as
+      plain as that 2 and 2 make 4 should not be understood, and acted
+      upon. It is evident that the bulk of mankind are governed by
+      something very different from reasoning and argument. This
+      principle must have its influence even in your Congress, for if
+      the members are not convinced by the excellent speeches of Mr.
+      Gallatin and Nicolas, neither would they be persuaded tho one
+      should rise from the dead.
+
+    It is true that I had more to do with colleges, and places of
+      education, than most men in Europe; but I would not pretend to
+      advise in this country. I will, however, at my leisure, propose
+      such _hints_ as shall occur to me; and if you want tutors from
+      England, I can recommend some very good ones. Were I a few years
+      younger, and more moveable, I should make interest for some
+      appointment in your institution myself; but age and inactivity are
+      fast approaching, and I am so fixed here, that a remove is
+      absolutely impossible, unless you were possessed of _Aladin's
+      lamp_, and could transport my house, library, and laboratory,
+      into Virginia without trouble or expense.
+
+    On my settlement here the gentlemen in the neighbourhood, thinking
+      to make me of some use, set on foot a college, of which I gave
+      them the plan, and they got it incorporated, and made me the
+      president; but tho I proposed to give lectures _gratis_, and had
+      the disposal of a valuable library at the decease of a learned
+      friend (new, near so), and had it in my power to render them
+      important service in various ways, yet, owing I suspect, in part
+      at least, to religious and political prejudices, nothing more has
+      been done, besides marking the site of a building these five
+      years, so that I have told them I shall resign.
+
+    I much wish to have some conversation with you on social subjects;
+      but I cannot expect that the Vice President of the United States
+      should visit me in my _shed_ at Northumberland, and I cannot come
+      to you. I intended on my settling here to have spent a month or so
+      every winter at Philadelphia, but the state of the times, and
+      various accidents, have a little deranged my finances, and I
+      prefer to spend what I can spare on my experiments, and
+      publication, rather than in travelling and seeing my friends.
+
+          With the greatest respect, I am,
+              Dear Sir,
+                  Yours sincerely,
+                      J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Northumberland Jan. 30, 1800.
+
+  Dear Sir--
+
+    I enclose my thoughts on the subject you did me the honour to
+      propose to me. Your own better judgment will decide concerning
+      their value, or their fitness for the circumstances of your
+      College. This may require a very different distribution of the
+      business from that which I here recommend.
+
+    I thank you for your care to transmit a copy of my works to Bp.
+      Madison. He, as well as many others, speaks of the increasing
+      spread of republican principles in this country. I wish I could
+      see the effects of it. But I fear we flatter ourselves, and if I
+      be rightly informed, my poor _Letters_ have done more harm than
+      good. I can only say that I am a sincere well wisher to this
+      country, and the purity and stability of its constitution.
+
+                  Yours sincerely,
+                    J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Northumberland May 8, 1800.
+
+     HINTS CONCERNING PUBLIC EDUCATION
+
+     Persons educated at public seminaries are of two classes. One is
+     that of professional men, and physicians and divines who are to be
+     qualified for entering upon their professions immediately after
+     leaving the college or university. The other is that of gentlemen,
+     and those who are designed for offices of civil and active life.
+     The former must be minutely instructed in everything adding to
+     their several professions, whereas to the latter a general
+     knowledge of the several branches of science is sufficient. To the
+     former, especially that of Medicine, several professors are
+     necessary, as the business must be subdivided, in order to be
+     taught to advantage. For the purpose of the latter fewer professors
+     are wanted, as it is most advisable to give them only the elements
+     of the several branches of knowledge, to which they may afterwards
+     give more particular attention, as they may have a disposition or
+     convenience for it.
+
+     Lawyers are not supposed to be qualified for entering upon their
+     professions at any place of public education. They are therefore to
+     be considered as gentlemen to whom a general knowledge is
+     sufficient. It is advisable, however, that when any subject, as
+     that of Medicine, is much divided, and distributed among a number
+     of professors, lectures of a more general and popular nature be
+     provided for the other classes of students, to whom some knowledge
+     of the subject may be very useful. A general knowledge, for
+     example, of anatomy and of medicine, too, is useful to all persons,
+     and therefore ought not to be omitted in any scheme of liberal
+     education. And if in a regular school of medicine any of the
+     professors would undertake this, it might serve as an useful
+     introduction to that more particular and accurate knowledge which
+     is necessary for practiced physicians.
+
+     The branches of knowledge which are necessary to the teachers of
+     religion are not so many, or so distinct from each other, but that
+     they may all be taught by one professor, as far as is necessary to
+     qualify persons for commencing preachers. To acquire more
+     knowledge, as that of the scriptures, ecclesistical history, etc.
+     must be the business of their future lives. But every person
+     liberally educated should have a general knowledge of Metaphysics,
+     the theory of morals, and religion; and therefore some popular
+     lectures of this kind should be provided for the students in
+     general.
+
+     One professor of antient languages may be sufficient for a place of
+     liberal education, and I would not make any provision for
+     instruction in the modern languages, for tho the knowledge of
+     them, as well as skill in fencing, dancing and riding, is proper
+     for gentlemen liberally educated, instruction in them may be
+     procured on reasonable terms without burdening the funds of the
+     seminary with them.
+
+     Abstract Mathematics, and Natural Philosophy, are so distinct, that
+     they require different teachers. One is sufficient for the former,
+     but the latter must be subdivided, one for natural history, another
+     for experimental Philosophy in general and a third for chemistry;
+     in consequence of the great extension of this branch of
+     experimental Philosophy of late years. The botany, mineralogy, and
+     other branches of natural history are sufficiently distinct to
+     admit of different professors, nothing more than a general
+     knowledge of each of them, and directions for acquiring a more
+     extended knowledge of them is necessary at any place of education.
+
+     Two or three Schools of Medicine I should think sufficient for all
+     the United States for some years to come, but with respect to these
+     I do not pretend to give any opinion not having sufficient
+     knowledge of the subject. Places of liberal education in general
+     should be made more numerous, and for each of them I should think
+     the following professors (if the funds of the Society will admit of
+     it) should be engaged, _viz._ (1) For the antient languages. (2)
+     The Belles Lettres, including universal Grammar, Oratory, criticism
+     and bibliography. (3) Mathematics. (4) Natural history. (5)
+     Experimental Philosophy. (6) Chemistry, including the theory of
+     Agriculture. (7) Anatomy and Medicine. (8) Geography and history,
+     Law, and general policy. (9) Metaphysics, morals, and theology.
+
+     A course of liberal education should be as comprehensive as
+     possible. For this purpose a large and well chosen _library_ will
+     be of great use. Not that the students should be encouraged to read
+     books while they are under tuition, but an opportunity of seeing
+     books, and looking into them, will give them a better idea of the
+     value of them than they could get by merely hearing of them, and
+     they would afterwards better know what books to purchase when they
+     should have the means and the leisure for the perusal of them. A
+     large collection of books will also be useful to the lecturer in
+     _bibliography_ and would recommend the seminary to the professors
+     in general, and make it a desirable place of residence for
+     gentlemen of a studious turn.
+
+     2. In order to engage able professors, some fixed salaries are
+     necessary; but they should not be much more than a bare
+     subsistence. They will then have a motive to exert themselves, and
+     by the fees of students their emoluments may be ample. The
+     professorships in the English universities, which are largely
+     endowed, are sinecures; while those in Scotland, to which small
+     stipends are annexed, are filled by able and active men.
+
+     3. It is not wise to engage any persons who are much advanced in
+     life, or of established reputation for efficient teachers. They
+     will not be so active as younger men who have a character to
+     acquire. They will also better accommodate their lectures to the
+     increasing light of the age, whereas old men will be attached to
+     old systems, tho ever so imperfect. Besides, they are the most
+     expert in teaching who have lately learned, and the minutae of
+     science, which are necessary to a teacher, are generally forgotten
+     by good scholars who are advanced in life, and it is peculiarly
+     irksome to relearn them.
+
+     4. I would not without necessity have recourse to any foreign
+     country for professors. They will expect too much deference, and
+     the natives will be jealous of them.
+
+     5. Three things must be attended to in the education of youth. They
+     must be _taught_, _fed_ and _governed_ and each of these requires
+     very different qualifications. They who are the best qualified to
+     teach are often the most unfit to govern, and it is generally
+     advisable that neither of these have anything to do with providing
+     victuals. In the English universities all these affairs are
+     perfectly distinct. The _tutors_ only teach, the _proctors_
+     superintend the discipline, and the _cooks_ provide the victuals.
+
+Philadelphia, Apr. 10, 1801.
+
+  Dear Sir--
+
+    Your kind letter, which, considering the numerous engagements
+      incident to your situation, I had no right to expect, was highly
+      gratifying to me, and I take the first opportunity of
+      acknowledging it. For tho I believe I am completely recovered from
+      my late illness, I am advised to write as little as possible. Your
+      invitation to pay you a visit is flattering to me in the highest
+      degree, and I shall not wholly despair of some time or other
+      availing myself of it, but for the present I must take the nearest
+      way home.
+
+    Your resentment of the treatment I have met with in this country
+      is truly generous, but I must have been but little impressed with
+      the principles of the religion you so justly commend, if they had
+      not enabled me to bear much more than I have yet suffered. Do not
+      suppose that, after the much worse treatment to which I was for
+      many years exposed in England (of which the pamphlet I take the
+      liberty to inclose will give you some idea) I was much affected by
+      this. My _Letters to the Inhabitants of Northumberland_ were not
+      occasioned by any such thing, tho it served me as a pretense for
+      writing them, but the threatenings of Mr. Pickering, whose purpose
+      to send me out of the country Mr. Adams (as I conclude from a
+      circuitous attempt that he made to prevent it) would not, in the
+      circumstances in which he then was, have been able to directly
+      oppose. My publication was of service to me in that and other
+      respects and I hope, in some measure, to the common cause. But had
+      it not been for the extreme absurdity and violence of the late
+      administration, I do not know how far the measures might not have
+      been carried. I rejoice more than I can express in the glorious
+      reverse that has taken place, and which has secured your election.
+      This I flatter myself will be the permanent establishment of truly
+      republican principles in this country, and also contribute to the
+      same desirable event in more distant ones.
+
+    I beg you would not trouble yourself with any answer to this. The
+      knowledge of your good opinion and good wishes, is quite
+      sufficient for me. I feel for the difficulties of your situation,
+      but your spirit and prudence will carry you thro them, tho not
+      without paying the tax which the wise laws of nature have imposed
+      upon preeminence and celebrity of every kind, a tax which, for
+      want of true greatness of mind, neither of your predecessors, if I
+      estimate their characters aright, paid without much reluctance.
+
+            With every good wish, I am,
+                Dear Sir,
+                    Yours sincerely,
+                            J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+  P.S.
+
+    As I trust that _Politics_ will not make you forget what is due to
+      _science_, I shall send you a copy of some articles that are just
+      printed for the _Transactions of the Philosophical Society_ in
+      this place. No. (5) p. 36 is the most deserving of your notice. I
+      should have sent you my _Defence of Phlogiston_, but that I
+      presume you have seen it.
+
+                                    June, 1802.
+  To Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America.
+
+  Sir,
+
+    My high respect for your character, as a politician, and a man,
+      makes me desirous of connecting my name, in some measure with
+      yours while it is in my power, by means of some publication, to do
+      it.
+
+    The first part of this work, which brought the history to the fall
+      of the western empire, was dedicated to a zealous friend of civil
+      and religious liberty, but in a private station. What he, or any
+      other friend of liberty in Europe, could only do by their good
+      wishes, by writing, or by patriot suffering, you, Sir, are
+      actually accomplishing, and upon a theatre of great and growing
+      extent.
+
+    It is the boast of this country to have a constitution the most
+      favourable to political liberty, and private happiness, of any in
+      the world, and all say that it was yourself, more than any other
+      individual, that planned and established it; and to this opinion
+      your conduct in various public offices, and now in the highest,
+      gives the clearest attestation.
+
+   Many have appeared the friends of the rights of man while they were
+      subject to the power of others, and especially when they were
+      sufferers by it; but I do not recollect one besides yourself who
+      retained the same principles, and acted by them, in a station of
+      real power. You, Sir, have done more than this; having proposed to
+      relinquish some part of the power which the constitution gave you;
+      and instead of adding to the burden of the people, it has been
+      your endeavour to lighten those burdens tho the necessary
+      consequence must be the diminution of your influence. May this
+      great example, which I doubt not will demonstrate the
+      practicability of truly republican principles, by the actual
+      existence of a form of government calculated to answer all the
+      useful purposes of government (giving equal protection to all, and
+      leaving every man in the possession of every power that he can
+      exercise to his own advantage, without infringing on the equal
+      liberty of others) be followed in other countries, and at length
+      become universal.
+
+    Another reason why I wish to prefix your name to this work, and
+      more appropriate to the subject of it, is that you have ever been
+      a strenuous and uniform advocate of religious no less than civil
+      liberty, both in your own state of Virginia, and in the United
+      States in general, seeing in the clearest light the various and
+      great mischiefs that have arisen from any particular form of
+      religion being favoured by the State more than any other; so that
+      the profession or practice of religion is here as free as that of
+      philosophy, or medicine. And now the experience of more than
+      twenty years leaves little room to doubt but that it is a state,
+      of things the most favourable to mutual candour, which is of great
+      importance to domestic peace and good neighbourhood and to the
+      cause of all truth, religious truth least of all excepted. When
+      every question is thus left to free discussion, there cannot be a
+      doubt but that truth will finally prevail, and establish itself by
+      its own evidence; and he must know little of mankind, or of human
+      nature, who can imagine that truth of any kind will be ultimately
+      unfavourable to general happiness. That man must entertain a
+      secret suspicion of his own principles who wishes for any
+      exclusive advantage in his defence or profession of them.
+
+    Having fled from a state of persecution in England, and having been
+      exposed to some degree of danger in the late administration here, I
+      naturally feel the greater satisfaction in the prospect of passing
+      the remainder of an active life (when I naturally wish for repose)
+      under your protection. Tho arrived at the usual term of human life
+      it is now only that I can say I see nothing to fear from the hand
+      of power, the government under which I live being for the first
+      time truly favourable to me. And tho it will be evident to all who
+      know me that I have never been swayed by the mean principle of
+      fear, it is certainly a happiness to be out of the possibility of
+      its influence, and to end ones days in peace, enjoying some degree
+      of rest before the state of more perfect rest in the grave, and
+      with the hope of rising to a state of greater activity, security
+      and happiness beyond it. This is all that any man can wish for, or
+      have; and this, Sir, under your administration, I enjoy.
+
+    With the most perfect attachment, and every good wish I subscribe
+      myself not your subject, or humble servant, but your sincere
+      admirer.
+
+                J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+  Dear Sir,
+
+    As there are some particulars in a letter I have lately received
+      from Mr. Stone at Paris which I think it will give you pleasure to
+      have, and Mr. Cooper has been so obliging as to translate them for
+      me, I take the liberty to send them, along with a copy of my
+      _Dedication_, with the correction that you suggested, and a Note
+      from the latter with which you favoured me concerning what you did
+      with respect to the _constitution_, and which is really more than
+      I had ascribed to you. For almost everything of importance to
+      political liberty in that instrument was, as it appears to me,
+      suggested by you, and as this was unknown to myself, and I believe
+      is so with the world in general, I was unwilling to omit this
+      opportunity of noticing it.
+
+    I shall be glad if you will be so good as to engage any person
+      sufficiently qualified to draw up such an account of the
+      _constitutional forms_ of this country as my friends say will be
+      agreeable to the emperor, and I will transmit it to Mr. Stone.
+
+    Not knowing any certain method of sending a letter to France and
+      presuming that you do I take the liberty to inclose my letter to
+      Mr. Stone. It is, however, so written that no danger can arise to
+      him from it, into whatever hands it may fall.
+
+    The state of my health, though, I thank God, much improved, will
+      not permit me to avail myself of your kind invitation to pay you a
+      visit. Where ever I am, you may depend upon my warmest attachment
+      and best wishes.
+
+                                    J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Northumberland Oct. 29, 1802.
+
+  P.S.
+
+    I send a copy of the _Preface_ as well as of the _Dedication_,
+      that you may form some idea of the work you are pleased to
+      patronize.
+
+Northumberland Jan. 25, 1803.
+
+  Dear Sir,
+
+    As you were pleased to think favourably of my pamphlet entitled
+      _Socrates and Jesus compared_, I take the liberty to send you a
+      _defence_ of it. My principal object, you will perceive, was to
+      lay hold of the opportunity, given me by Mr. B. Linn, to excite
+      some attention to doctrines which I consider as of peculiar
+      importance in the Christian system, and which I do not find to
+      have been discussed in this country.
+
+    The Church History is, I hope, by this time in the hands of the
+      bookseller at Philadelphia, so that you will soon, if my
+      directions have been attended to, receive a copy of the work which
+      I have the honour to dedicate to you.
+
+    With the greatest respect and attachment, I am
+
+                        Dear Sir,
+                            Yours sincerely,
+                                J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+  Dear Sir,
+
+    I take the liberty to send you _a second defence of my pamphlet
+      about Socrates_, on the 16th page of which you will find that I
+      have undertaken the task you were pleased to recommend to me. On
+      giving more attention to it, I found, as the fox did with respect
+      to the lion, that my apprehensions entirely vanished. Indeed, I
+      have already accomplished a considerable part of the work, and in
+      about a year from this time I hope to finish the whole, provided
+      my health, which is very precarious, be continued in the state in
+      which it now is. I directed a copy of the _tract on phlogiston_
+      to be sent to you from Philadelphia, and I shall order another,
+      which, together with the inclosed papers, I shall be much obliged
+      to you if you will convey to. Mr. Livingston. Please also to cast
+      an eye over them yourself; and if you can with propriety promote
+      my interest by any representation of yours, I am confident you
+      will do it.
+
+    When you wrote to me at the commencement of your administration,
+      you said "the only dark speck in our horizon is in Louisiana." By
+      your excellent conduct it is now the brightest we have to look to.
+
+    Mr. Vaughan having applied to me for a copy of my Harmony of the
+      Evangelists, which was not to be had in Philadelphia, and
+      intimated that it was for you, my son, whose copy is more perfect
+      than mine, begs the honour of your acceptance of it, as a mark of
+      his high esteem, in which he has the hearty concurrence of
+
+                        Dear Sir,
+                            Yours sincerely,
+                                J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Northumberland Dec. 12, 1803.
+
+His European correspondents were informed that he was much engaged with
+religious matters. While his theological views were not received very
+graciously yet he found
+
+      some young men of a serious and inquisitive turn, who read my
+      works, and are confirmed Unitarians.
+
+In one of his communications to Lindsey, written in April 1800, he
+expresses himself in the following most interesting way relative to his
+scientific engagements. American men of science will welcome it: This is
+the message:
+
+    I send along with this an account of a course of experiments of as
+      much importance as almost any that I have ever made. Please to
+      shew it to Mr. Kirwan, and give it either to Mr. Nicholson for his
+      journal, or to Mr. Phillips for his magazine, as you please. I was
+      never more busy or more successful in this way, when I was in
+      England; and I am very thankful to Providence for the means and
+      the leisure for these pursuits, which next to theological studies,
+      interest me the most. Indeed, there is a natural alliance between
+      them, as there must be between the word and the works of God.
+
+He was now at work apparently in his own little laboratory adjacent to
+his dwelling place. For more than a century this structure has remained
+practically as it was in the days of Priestley. In it he did remarkable
+things, in his judgment; thus refuting the general idea that after his
+arrival in America nothing of merit in the scientific direction was
+accomplished by him. The satisfactory results, mentioned to Lindsey,
+were embodied in a series of "Six Chemical Essays" which eventually
+found their way into the Transactions of the American Philosophical
+Society. It is a miscellany of observations. In it are recorded the
+results found on passing the "vapour of spirit of nitre" over iron
+turnings, over copper, over perfect charcoal, charcoal of bones, melted
+lead, tin and bismuth; and there appears a note to the effect that in
+Papin's digester "a solution of caustic alkali, aided by heat, made a
+_liquor silicum_ with pounded flint glass." There is also given a
+description of a pyrophorus obtained from iron and sulphur. More
+interesting, however, was the account of the change of place in
+different kinds of air, "through several interposing substances," in
+which Priestley recognized distinctly for the first time, the phenomena
+of gaseous diffusion. There are also references to the absorption of air
+by water, and of course, as one would expect from the Doctor, for it
+never failed, there is once more emphasized "certain facts pertaining to
+phlogiston." His friends were quite prepared for such statements. They
+thought of Joseph Priestley and involuntarily there arose the idea of
+phlogiston.
+
+The little workshop or laboratory, in Northumberland, where these facts
+were gathered, will soon be removed to the Campus of Pennsylvania State
+College. It will be preserved with care and in it, it is hoped, will be
+gradually assembled everything to be found relating to the noble soul
+who once disclosed Nature's secrets in this simple primitive structure,
+which American chemists should ever cherish, and hold as a Mecca for all
+who would look back to the beginnings of chemical research in our
+beloved country.
+
+How appropriate it would be could there be deposited in the little
+laboratory, the apparatus owned and used by Priestley, which at present
+constitutes and for many years past has formed an attractive collection
+in Dickinson College, (Pa.) There would be the burning lens, the
+reflecting telescope, the refracting telescope (probably one of the
+first achromatic telescopes made), the air-gun, the orrery, and flasks
+with heavy ground necks, and heavy curved tubes with ground
+stoppers--all brought (to Dickinson) through the instrumentality of
+Thomas Cooper, "the greatest man in America in the powers of his mind
+and acquired information and that without a single exception" according
+to Thomas Jefferson.
+
+And how the Library would add to the glory of the place, but, alas! it
+has been scattered far and wide, for in 1816, Thomas Dobson advertised
+the same for sale in a neatly printed pamphlet of 96 pages. In it were
+many scarce and valuable books. The appended prices ranged quite widely,
+reaching in one case the goodly sum of two hundred dollars!
+
+And as future chemists visit this unique reminder of Dr. Priestley it
+should be remembered that on the piazza of the dwelling house there
+assembled August 1, 1874, a group of men who planned then and there for
+the organization of the present American Chemical Society.
+
+The "Essays," previously mentioned, will be found intensely interesting
+but they are somewhat difficult to read because of their strange
+nomenclature. Here is Priestley's account of the method pursued by him
+to get nitrogen:
+
+    Pure phlogisticated air (nitrogen) may be procured in the easiest
+      and surest manner by the use of iron only--To do this I fill
+      phials with turnings of malleable iron, and having filled them
+      with water, pour it out, to admit the air of the atmosphere, and
+      in six or seven hours it will be diminished ... what remains of
+      the air in the phials will be the purest phlogisticated air
+      (nitrogen).
+
+Among his contributions to the scientific periodicals of the times there
+was one relating to the sense of hearing. It is a curious story. One may
+properly ask whether the singular facts in it were not due to defects in
+Priestley's own organs of hearing. The paper did not arouse comment. It
+was so out of the ordinary experimental work which he was carrying
+forward with such genuine pleasure and intense vigour.
+
+Strong appeals were steadily coming from English friends that he return.
+While commenting on the pleasure he should have in seeing them he firmly
+declared that the step would not be wise. In short, despite all
+arguments he had determined to
+
+      remain where I am for life.
+
+The prejudices against him were abating, although he said
+
+      that many things are against me; and though they do not _shake_ my
+      faith, they _try_ it.
+
+There had gathered a class of fourteen young men about him in the
+Northumberland home. They had adopted his Unitarian ideas. To them he
+lectured regularly on theology and philosophy. Those must have been
+inspiring moments. It was in this wise that the aged philosopher felt he
+was doing good and was most useful. He said that it was
+
+      a pretty good class of young men to lecture to.
+
+Much time was given to his English correspondents. Them he advised of
+the rapid development of the States. He sent to some pictures of the
+country about him, and with much delight he referred to the fact that
+Jefferson, whom he ardently admired, was now, in the closing weeks of
+1800, the President, and his associate--Aaron Burr, Vice-President. He
+announced to English friends that the late administration, that of John
+Adams, was
+
+      almost universally reprobated.
+
+Mr. Jefferson, he insisted, "will do nothing rashly,"
+
+    His being president may induce me to visit the federal city, and
+      perhaps his seat in Virginia.
+
+The seat of government, as may be inferred, had been removed to
+Washington from Philadelphia. But to the latter center, which still
+offered many attractions, Priestley journeyed for the third time early
+in 1801. He was not especially desirous of making this third visit, but
+as his son and daughter came down a distance of 130 miles on business,
+he determined to accompany them. True, Congress was no longer there, but
+there were many interesting people about with whom he had great
+pleasure. With Bishop White, who was most orthodox and whom he saw
+frequently, he enjoyed much "Christian and edifying conversation." John
+Andrews was another favorite. He was a violent Federalist and informed
+Priestley that the latter
+
+      had done them (the Federalists) more mischief than any other man,
+
+yet these two noble spirits lived in amity, and Priestley several times
+announced that Dr. Andrews was a Unitarian, which is not the thought
+today in regard to the latter.
+
+It was an eventful year--this year of 1801. Much that was unexpected
+happened. It brought joy and it brought sorrow.
+
+Perhaps it would be just as well to note the scientific progress of the
+Doctor during this year, for he gave forth the statement that he had
+succeeded in producing air by freezing water. This production of air was
+one of his earlier ideas (p. 62), and now he wrote--
+
+    The harder the frost was the more air I procured.
+
+Further, he announced that on heating manganese (dioxide) in inflammable
+air
+
+      no water is formed,
+
+and what is rather astounding, he was certain that _azote_ consisted of
+hydrogen and oxygen.
+
+To the _Medical Repository_, which he regarded highly, there was sent a
+rather thoughtful disquisition on dreams. In it the idea was expressed
+
+      that dreams have their seat in some region of the brain more
+      deeply seated than that which is occupied by our waking thoughts.
+
+A "Pile of Volta" had been sent out from England. It amused him and he
+studied it carefully when he was led to remark upon the theory of this
+curious process as follows:
+
+    The operation wholly depends on the calcination of the zinc, which
+      suffers a great diminution in weight, while the silver is little
+      affected, and all metals lose their phlogiston in calcination,
+      therefore what remains of the zinc in metallic form in the pile
+      and everything connected with that end of it, is supersaturated
+      with phlogiston.
+
+More need not be quoted. It was phlogiston and that only which
+occasioned the electric current. It may properly be added that in this
+connection he wrote:
+
+    It is said the inventor of the galvanic pile discovered the
+      conducting power of charcoal, whereas it was one of my first
+      observations in electricity, made in 1766.
+
+Some additional attention to air was also given by him, and in so doing
+he reached the conclusion that
+
+    The diamond and charcoal of copper are, as nearly as possible,
+      pure phlogiston.
+
+One wonders how he could so persuade himself, for these bodies surely
+possessed weight. Why did he not rely more upon his balance?
+
+With Woodhouse he discussed the product from passing water over heated
+charcoal. He had been endeavoring to refute certain statements made by
+Cruikshank. There is no question but that he had carbon monoxide in
+hand, and had it as early as 1799, and that he had obtained it in
+several different ways. Observe this statement:
+
+    I always found that the first portion of the heavy inflammable
+      air, resulting from the passage of steam over heated charcoal was
+      loaded with fixed air (CO_2), but that in the course of the
+      process this disappeared, the remaining air (CO) burning with a
+      lambent flame.
+
+Scarcely had Priestley set foot in Philadelphia on his third visitation
+than the _Port Folio_, devoted usually to literature and biography,
+printed the following unkind words:
+
+    The tricks of Dr. Priestley to embroil the government, and disturb
+      the religion of his own country, have not the merit of novelty.
+
+To which the _Aurora_ replied:
+
+    When Porcupine rioted in the filth of a debauched and corrupt
+      faction in this city, no person experienced so much of his obscene
+      and vulgar abuse as Dr. Priestley. There is not a single fact on
+      record or capable of being shewn, to prove that Dr. Priestley was
+      guilty of any other crime than being a dissenter from the church
+      of England, and a warm friend of American Independence. For this
+      he was abused by Porcupine--and Denny is only Porcupine with a
+      little more tinsel to cover his dirt. It is worthy of remark, that
+      after a whole sheet of promises of "literary lore" and "products
+      of the master of spirits" of the nation--the first and second
+      numbers of the _Portable Foolery_, are stuffed with extracts from
+      British publications of an ordinary quality.
+
+The attack of the Port Folio was most ungracious. It may have been due
+to irritation caused by the appearance of a second edition of
+Priestley's "Letters to the Inhabitants of Northumberland." Nevertheless
+the thoughtful and dignified men of the City--men who admired
+Priestley's broad catholic spirit and brave attitude upon all debatable
+questions, men who appreciated his scientific attainments, invited him
+to the following subscription dinner, as announced in the _Aurora_,
+March, 6th:
+
+    At 4 o'clock in the afternoon about one hundred citizens sat down
+      to an elegant entertainment prepared by Mr. Francis to celebrate
+      the commencement of the administration of Mr. Jefferson. The
+      Governor honored the company with his presence. Several
+      respectable Foreigners were invited to partake of the festival....
+      A variety of patriotic songs were admirably sung; and the
+      following toasts were drank with unanimous applause.
+
+    1. The Governor of Pennsylvania
+
+    2. Dr. Priestley: The Philosopher and Philanthropist....
+
+He was present and enjoyed himself, and sad must it have been to read on
+March 30th:
+
+    Some weeks ago, Dr. Priestley having caught cold by attending a
+      meeting of the Philosophical Society on a wet evening, was taken
+      ill of a violent inflammatory complaint which rendered his
+      recovery for a long time dubious. We announce with sincere
+      pleasure the returning health of a man, whose life hath hitherto
+      been sedulously and successfully devoted to the interests of
+      mankind.
+
+He had, indeed, been very ill. The trouble was pleurisy. Dr. Rush was
+his physician. By his order the patient was bled profusely seven times.
+During this trying and doubtful period there came to him a cheery letter
+from President Jefferson who had only learned of his illness. Among
+other things the President wrote--
+
+    Yours is one of the few lives precious to mankind, and for the
+      continuance of which every thinking man is solicitous. Bigots may
+      be an exception.... But I have got into a long disquisition on
+      politics when I only meant to express my sympathy in the state of
+      your health, and to tender you all the affections of public and
+      private hospitality. I should be very happy to see you here
+      (Washington). I leave this about the 30th to return about the 25th
+      of April. If you do not leave Philadelphia before that, a little
+      excursion hither would help your health. I should be much
+      gratified with the possession of a guest I so much esteem, and
+      should claim a right to lodge you, should you make such an
+      excursion.
+
+But Priestley journeyed homeward on April 13th, and en route wrote the
+following letter, addressed to John Vaughan, Esq. 179 Walnut Street,
+Philadelphia, Pa.:
+
+                                                April 17, 1801
+                                          Reading, Friday Evening
+
+  Dear Sir,
+
+    I have the pleasure to inform you, agreeably to your kind request,
+      that we are safely arrived at this place, my daughter better than
+      when we left Philadelphia, and as to myself, I feel just as well,
+      and as able to bear any fatigue, as before my late illness. This,
+      however, will always remind me of your friendly attentions, and
+      those of your sister, if a thousand and other circumstances did
+      not do the same, and of them all I hope I shall ever retain a
+      grateful remembrance.
+
+    Along the whole road I am struck with the marks of an astonishing
+      degree of improvement since I came this way four years ago. I do
+      not think that any part of England is better cultivated, and at
+      present the wheat is in a very promising state. I wish we may
+      hear of that of England promising as well. Three years of such a
+      scarcity is more than any country could bear, and you will believe
+      me when I say that, if it was in my power, I would guard it not
+      only from famine, but from every other calamity.
+
+    With my daughter's kindest remembrance, I am, as ever
+
+        Dear Sir
+                            Yours sincerely,
+                                J. PRIESTLEY.[8]
+
+Resuming his correspondence with his numerous friends in England, he
+said:
+
+      My chief resource is my daily occupation.
+
+He also wrote Dr. Rush his thanks for having advised him to read Noah
+Webster's _Pestilential Disorders_ which follow the appearance of
+meteors and earthquakes, taking occasion also to excuse his opposition
+to blood-letting,--
+
+    I believe that I owe my life to your judicious direction of it. I
+      shall never forget your so readily forgiving my suspicion, and my
+      requesting the concurrence of Dr. Wistar after the third bleeding.
+      It was his opinion as well as yours and Dr. Caldwell's, that my
+      disorder required several more; and the completeness of my cure,
+      and the speediness of my recovery, prove that you were right. In
+      the future I shall never be afraid of the lancet when so
+      judiciously directed.
+
+To Rush he confided his doubts about his paper on Dreams. He cannot
+account for them, hence he has offered merely an hypothesis, and
+continues--
+
+    I frequently think with much pleasure and regret on the many happy
+      hours I spent in your company, and wish we were not at so great
+      distance. Such society would be the value of life to me. But I
+      must acquiesce in what a wise providence has appointed.
+
+His friends continued sending him books. And how joyously he received
+them. At times he would mention special works, as for example,--
+
+    Please to add Gate's Answer to Wall, and Wall's Reply; Sir John
+      Pringle's Discourses and Life by Dr. Kippis; Chandler's Life of
+      King David; Colin Milne's Botanical Dictionary, Botanic Dialogues,
+      and other books of Natural History; Kirwan's Analysis of Mineral
+      Waters; Crosby's History of English Baptists.
+
+In one of his letters he observed--
+
+    A person must be in my situation ... to judge of my feelings when
+      I receive new books.
+
+Strangely enough a _box_ of books was sent him to Carlisle (Pa.) and had
+been there for two years before he learned of it.
+
+Perhaps a word more may be allowed in regard to the paper on
+_Pestilential Disorders_ by Noah Webster. This was the lexicographer.
+Priestley thought the work curious and important, but the philosophy in
+it wild and absurd in the extreme. And of Rush he asks--
+
+    Pray is he (Webster) a believer in revelation or not? I find
+      several atheists catch at everything favourable to the doctrine of
+      _equivocal generation_; but it must be reprobated by all who are
+      not.
+
+Chemists will be glad to hear that
+
+    The annual expense of my laboratory will hardly exceed 50 pounds,
+      and I think I may have done more in proportion to my expenses than
+      any other man. What I have done here, and with little expense,
+      will in time be thought very considerable; but on account of the
+      almost universal reception of the new theory, what I do is not, at
+      present, attended to; but Mr. Watt and Mr. Kier, as good chemists
+      as any in Europe, approve of my tract on _Phlogiston_, and truth
+      will in time prevail over any error.
+
+And to another he said,
+
+    Having had great success in my experiments in this country ... I
+      shall never desert philosophy.
+
+The following year (1802) had several points of interest in connection
+with the good Doctor; for one, who has followed his career thus far,
+will wish to call him that.
+
+Communications from the home country and from France, while not so
+numerous, were yet full of interesting news. His friend Belsham brought
+out his Elements of Philosophy of the Mind, and although Priestley paid
+it a most gracious tribute he did not hesitate to suggest alterations
+and additions of various kinds. His dearest friend Lindsey fell
+seriously ill this year. This gave him inexpressible anxiety and grief.
+As soon as Lindsey was, in a measure, restored the fraternal
+correspondence was resumed.
+
+Much time was given by the Doctor to reading and preparing for the press
+the volumes of his _Church History_ and _Notes on the Scriptures_. The
+printing was to be done in Northumberland. Some doubt was entertained as
+to whether he would have funds sufficient to pay for the publication,
+and when the urgent letters from friends tempted him to undertake a
+European trip he generally replied that he was too far advanced in life,
+that the general debility produced by pernicious ague rendered him unfit
+for extended travel, and then he offset the disappointment by saying
+that the expense of the voyage would more than suffice for the printing
+of one of his proposed four volumes of the _Church History_. This was a
+most complete, interesting and instructive work. Even today one profits
+by its perusal and an immense fund of worthwhile information and
+knowledge may be derived from even a cursory study of his _Notes on the
+Scriptures_.
+
+The monotony of village life was broken by occasional letters from
+President Jefferson. These were most affectionate and also illuminating
+on national matters. Copies of these were sent to English friends with
+the injunction not to show them or permit them to fall into other hands.
+
+Dr. Thomas Cooper was not with Priestley in this year (1802), being
+detained at Lancaster where the Assembly sat. Naturally Cooper made
+himself conspicuous, and Priestley prophesied a great future for him,
+providing that the jealousy entertained for foreigners did not prove too
+serious an obstacle.
+
+Priestley took much pleasure at this period in his garden, and wrote,
+
+    Plants, as well as other objects, engage more of my attention than
+      they ever did before.... I wish I knew a little more botany; but
+      old, as I am, I learn something new continually.
+
+Now and then he mentions a considerable degree of deafness, and sent to
+Philadelphia for a speaking trumpet, but cheerily adds,
+
+    I am, however, thankful that my eyes do not fail me.
+
+Here and there occur plaints like these:
+
+    Though my philosophical labours are nearly over, I am glad to hear
+      what is passing in that region in which I once moved, though what
+      I then did seems for the present to be overlooked and forgotten. I
+      am confident, however, as much as I can be of anything, that
+      notwithstanding the almost universal reception of the new theory,
+      which is the cause of it, it is purely chimerical, and cannot keep
+      its ground after a sufficient scrutiny, which may be deferred, but
+      which must take place in time. I am glad to find that Mr.
+      Cruikshank in England, as well as chemists in France, begin to
+      attend to my objections, though the principal of them have been
+      published many years; but, as you say, many will not read, and
+      therefore they cannot know anything that makes against the
+      opinions they have once adopted. Bigotry is not confined to
+      theology.
+
+The experimental work for the year was not very great. Probably this was
+the result of his general physical weakness and in part it was due to
+his preoccupation with literary labours. However, he did write out his
+results, obtained on heating "finery cinders and charcoal" and thus
+emphasized the gaseous product of which he observes--
+
+    It cannot be denied, however, that this gaseous oxyd of carbon
+      (CO) is _inflammable_ ... and is essentially different from all
+      other oxyds, none of which are combustible.
+
+Along in the month of November he wrote a vigorous protest against
+Cruikshank's explanation of the mode of formation of carbon monoxide. In
+this polemic he of course threw into prominence his precious phlogiston,
+the presence of which seemed unnecessary--but this was not so thought by
+the Doctor, who also favored the _Medical Repository_ with observations
+on the conversion of iron into steel, in which there is but a single
+reference to phlogiston, but unfortunately this single reference spoils
+the general argument and the correct and evident interpretation of the
+reaction. It reads as follows:
+
+    Iron is convertible into steel by imbibing only _phlogiston_ from
+      the charcoal with which it is cemented.
+
+There are abundant correct observations. Their interpretation sadly
+enough is very false, all because of the persistent introduction of
+phlogiston where it was not essential.
+
+Priestley advised Rush that because of an unhealthy season he had
+suffered very much from ague, and said,--
+
+    Tho' I was never robust, I hardly knew what sickness was before my
+      seizure in Philadelphia, but the old building has since that had
+      so many shocks, that I am apprehensive it will ere long give way.
+      But I have abundant reason to be satisfied, and shall retire from
+      life _conviva satur_.
+
+Devotion to work was on the part of Priestley, something marvelous. As
+his son and daughter-in-law were drawn to Philadelphia in February,
+1803, they carried their father with them. He was rather indisposed to
+this, yet he disliked remaining alone at home notwithstanding the
+printing of the Church History required considerable personal attention.
+The marvelous part of it all was that while in Philadelphia, on this his
+fourth and last visit, while he fraternized with congenial souls and
+even presented himself at various social functions, he yet found leisure
+to print his little volume entitled "Socrates and Jesus Compared,"
+which gave much pleasure to President Jefferson, so much indeed that he
+hoped Priestley would,--
+
+      take up the subject on a more extended scale, and show that Jesus
+      was truly the most innocent, most benevolent, the most eloquent
+      and sublime character that has ever been exhibited to man.
+
+Jefferson's genuine approval of his effort was balm to Priestley's soul.
+He, of course, wrote Lindsey and Belsham about it; yes, copied the
+letter of Jefferson and sent the same to them with the comment,--
+
+    He is generally considered as an unbeliever. If so, however, he
+      cannot be far from us, and I hope in the way to be not only
+      _almost_, but _altogether_ what we are.
+
+It was February 28, 1803, that the august members of the American
+Philosophical Society resolved:
+
+    That this Society will dine together on Saturday next, and that J.
+      B. Smith, Wistar, Williams, Hewson & Vaughan be a Committee to
+      make the necessary arrangements for that purpose and to request
+      Dr. Priestley's company, informing him that the Society are
+      induced to make the request from their high respect for his
+      Philosophical Labours & discoveries, & to enjoy the more
+      particular pleasure of a social meeting--The Dinner to be prepared
+      at the City Tavern or Farmer's Hotel.
+
+It was this resolution which caused notices, such as the following to go
+out to the distinguished membership of the venerable Society--
+
+                                Philadelphia, March 2, 1803
+
+    Sir: You are hereby invited to join the other members of the
+      American Philosophical Society, in giving a testimony of respect,
+      to their venerable associate Dr. Joseph Priestley, who dines with
+      them on Saturday next at Francis' Hotel--Dinner on table at 3
+      o'clock.
+
+                                        C. Wistar
+                                        J. Williams
+                                        J. R. Smith
+                                        T. T. Hewson
+                                        J. Vaughan
+                                        Committee
+
+    An answer will be called for tomorrow morning.
+    DR. RUSH
+
+It was a very dignified and brilliant company. Law, medicine, theology,
+science, commerce represented by very worthy and excellent gentlemen.
+And, among them sat the modest, unassuming, versatile Priestley. That he
+was happy in his surroundings there is ample reason to believe. He loved
+to be among men. He, too, was appreciated and eagerly sought because of
+his winning ways, his tolerance and liberality. He was moderately
+convivial though
+
+    He said that one glass of wine at dinner was enough for an old
+      man, but he did not prescribe his own practice as an universal
+      rule.
+
+About eight weeks were spent in the City. On return to the dear country
+home the doctor took up his various duties and burdens, but the
+infirmities of age were often alluded to by him, and they no doubt
+delayed all of his work, which was further aggravated by a dangerous
+fall on his left hip and strain of the muscles of the thigh. He was
+extremely lame and for some time went about on crutches, which held him
+out of his laboratory. To him this was very trying. But he persisted. He
+was truly a splendid example for the younger aspirants for scientific
+honors. During the year he entered on a controversial article with his
+old friend Erasmus Darwin upon the subject of _spontaneous combustion_,
+and subsequently communicated to the _Medical Repository_ an account of
+the conversion of salt into nitre. He had positive knowledge of this
+fact for quite a little while, and upon the occasion of a visit by Dr.
+Wistar, told the latter concerning this with the request that no mention
+be made of it, evidently that he might have opportunity for additional
+confirmation. However, very unexpectedly, Dr. Mitchill published
+something of a similar character, therefore Priestley believing that he
+ought "to acquaint experimentalists in general with all that I know of
+the matter," announced that in 1799 when experimenting on the formation
+of air from water,
+
+      having made use of the same salt, mixed with snow, in every
+      experiment, always evaporating the mixture the salt was recovered
+      dry. I collected the salt when I had done with it, and put it into
+      a glass bottle, with a label expressing what it was, and what use
+      had been made of it.
+
+Subsequently he treated this salt, after many applications of it, with
+sulphuric acid, when he remarked--
+
+    I was soon surprized to observe that _red vapours_ rose from it.
+
+An examination of another portion of the salt showed--
+
+      that when it was thrown upon hot coals ... it burned exactly like
+      nitre.
+
+So it was a conversion of sodium chloride into sodium nitrate. That this
+change must have come from the _snow_ with which it had been dissolved,
+could not be doubted, and he further observed--
+
+    Now in the upper regions of the atmosphere ... there may be a
+      redundancy of inflammable air ... and a proportion of
+      dephlogisticated air. In that region there are many electrical
+      appearances, as the _aurora borealis_, falling stars &c; in the
+      lower parts of it thunder and lightening, and by these means the
+      two kinds of air may be decomposed, and a highly dephlogisticated
+      nitrous acid, as mine always was, produced. This being formed,
+      will of course, attach itself to any _snow_ or _hail_ that may be
+      forming ... confirming in this unexpected manner, the vulgar
+      opinion of nitre being contained in snow.
+
+This seems to be the last communication of this character which came
+from the Doctor's pen.
+
+He was in despair relative to the academy which had ever been his hope
+for the College which in his early years in Northumberland he prayed
+might arise and in which he would be at liberty to particularly impart
+his Unitarian doctrines.
+
+An interesting item relative to the Academy appeared in the _Aurora_ for
+April 1st, 1803. It shows that State aid for education was sought in
+those early days. It is a report, and reads--
+
+    A REPORT of the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of
+      Thomas Cooper, on behalf of the Northumberland Academy, praying
+      legislative aid. The report states that Thomas Cooper appeared
+      before the Committee and stated that upward of $4000 had been
+      expended on the building appropriated to that institution. That
+      the debts due thereon amounted in the whole to near $2000. That
+      Dr. Joseph Priestley had the power of disposing of a very valuable
+      library consisting of near 4000 volumes of scarce and well chosen
+      books in various branches of literature and science, to any public
+      seminary of learning in the United States, which library, the said
+      Dr. Priestley was desirous of procuring as a gift to the
+      Northumberland Academy, provided that institution was likely to
+      receive substantial assistance from the legislature, so as to be
+      enabled to fulfil the purposes of its establishment,
+
+    That the Trustees would have no occasion to ask of the legislature
+      on behalf of that Academy, a subscription greater than a few
+      individuals had expended, and were still ready and desirous of
+      contributing thereto; and suggest it to your Committee, that if
+      out of the monies due from the County of Northumberland to the
+      State a sufficient sum was granted to exonerate the Academy from
+      debt, no more would be wanted in the future to effect the purposes
+      of that institution, than a sum equal in amount to the value of
+      the library proposed to be furnished by Dr. Priestley; such value
+      to be fixed by a person appointed for the purpose by the
+      legislature.
+
+    The Committee was of the opinion that it would be expedient for
+      the legislature to coincide with the suggestion of Thomas Cooper
+      and so recommended to the Legislature. Their report was adopted,
+      39 to 31. It was strongly advocated by Jesse Moore, Esq., General
+      Mitchell and N. Ferguson from the city. It was opposed by Jacob
+      Alter from Cumberland, who declared that although there were a
+      great many public schools and colleges and places of that kind
+      scattered over the State, he never knew any good they did, except
+      to breed up a set of idle and odious lawyers to plague the people!
+
+At this particular time there still existed confiscated land from the
+sale of which revenue was derived, and this income it had been agreed
+upon should be devoted to the erection and support of academies
+throughout the State. Later this scheme was discontinued. But, Dr.
+Priestley was not so enthusiastic as formerly. He was occupied with the
+Church History, three volumes of which were in print, and it was
+expected that the fourth volume would follow shortly thereafter.
+However, his health was precarious. He could not eat meats, and lived
+chiefly on broths and soups, saying,--
+
+    The defect is in the stomach and liver, and of no common kind. If
+      I hold out till I have finished what I have now on hand, I shall
+      retire from the scene, satisfied and thankful.
+
+This was written in August, and the Doctor stuck bravely to his literary
+labors. A few months later he wrote Lindsey,--
+
+    I really do not expect to survive you.
+
+Yet, he also entertained the thought that he might,--
+
+      assist in the publication of a whole Bible, from the several
+      translations of particular books, smoothing and correcting them
+      where I can.
+
+January of 1804 brought him many interesting, splendid and valuable
+books from friends in London. He was overjoyed on their arrival.
+Promptly he gave himself to their perusal because his deafness confined
+him to home and his extreme weakness forbade any excursions. Then the
+winter kept him from his laboratory, and his sole occupation was reading
+and writing. He entertained a variety of plans, proceeding with some
+but in the midst of these tasks of love--in the very act of correcting
+proof, he quietly breathed his last! It was Monday, February 6, 1804,
+that Thomas Cooper, the devoted friend of Priestley, wrote Benjamin
+Rush:--
+
+  Dear Sir:
+
+    Mr. Joseph Priestley is not at present in spirits to write to his
+      friends, and it falls to my lot therefore to acquaint you that Dr.
+      Priestley died this morning about 11 o'clock without the slightest
+      degree of apparent pain. He had for some time previous foreseen
+      his dissolution, but he kept up to the last his habitual
+      composure, cheerfulness and kindness. He would have been 71 the
+      24th of next month. For about a fortnight there were symptoms of
+      dropsy owing to general debility: about two days before his death,
+      these symptoms disappeared, and a troublesome cough came on
+      perhaps from a translation to the chest.
+
+    Yesterday he had strength enough to look over a revise of the
+      _Annotations_ he was publishing on the Old and New Testament, and
+      this morning he dictated in good language some notices which he
+      wished his son Mr. Priestley to add to his unpublished works. I
+      am sure you will sincerely regret the decease of a man so highly
+      eminent and useful in the literary and philosophical world, and so
+      much presumably your friend.
+
+Yes, the valiant old champion of a lost cause was no more. Two days
+before his death "he went to his laboratory"--but, finding his weakness
+too great, with difficulty returned to his room. Loyal to his science to
+the very end!
+
+To American chemists he appeals strongly because of his persistent
+efforts in research. His coming to this country aroused a real interest
+in the science which has not waned in the slightest since his demise.
+
+When the sad news reached the Hall of the American Philosophical
+Society, Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton was chosen to eulogize Priestley.
+This notable event took place on January 3rd, 1805. The _Aurora_
+reported:
+
+    Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton, one of the vice-presidents of the
+      American Philosophical Society, having been previously appointed
+      by the society to deliver an eulogium to the memory of their late
+      associate, Dr. Joseph Priestley, the same was accordingly
+      delivered in the First Presbyterian Church in this city, on
+      Thursday the 3rd inst. before the society, who went in a body from
+      their hall to the church, preceded by their patron, the governor
+      of the state. Invitations were given on this occasion to the Revd.
+      Clergy of the city; the college of Physicians; the Medical
+      Society; the gentlemen of the Bar, with the students at Law; the
+      trustees and faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, with their
+      students in the Arts and in Medicine; the judges and officers of
+      the federal and state Courts; the foreign ministers and other
+      public characters then in the city; the mayor; aldermen and city
+      councils: the trustees and session of the First Presbyterian
+      Church; the directors of the City Library; the directors and
+      Physicians of the Pennsylvania Hospital, of the Alms House, and of
+      the Dispensary; the proprietor and Director of the Philadelphia
+      Museum; and the contributors towards the Cabinet and Library of
+      the Society. After the conclusion of a very interesting eulogium,
+      the society returned their thanks to the orator, and requested a
+      copy for the purpose of publication.
+
+One's curiosity is quickened on thinking what Barton said in his
+address. Search in many directions failed to bring forth the Eulogium.
+It had been ordered to be printed in the Transactions of the Society.
+This was never done. But there was a minute (seven years later) in the
+meeting of the Society (Nov. 6, 1812) to the effect that
+
+    Dr. Barton's request for permission to withdraw it (Eulogium) to
+      be enlarged and published separately was referred for
+      consideration to the next meeting.
+
+The request was granted at the next meeting, but nowhere among Barton's
+literary remains was the precious document to be found. Lost very
+probably--when it might have revealed so much.
+
+Priestley's death was deeply mourned throughout the land. The public
+prints brought full and elaborate accounts of his life, and touching
+allusions to the fullness of his brilliant career. Such expressions as
+these were heard,--
+
+    As a metaphysician he stands foremost among those who have
+      attempted the investigation of its abstruse controversies.
+
+
+    As a politician he assiduously and successfully laboured to
+      extend and illustrate those general principles of civil liberty
+      which are happily the foundation of the Constitution of his
+      adopted Country,--
+
+
+    His profound attention to the belles-lettres, and to the other
+      departments of general literature, has been successfully
+      exemplified among his other writings, by his lectures on oratory
+      and criticism, and on general history and policy,--
+
+
+    Of the most important and fashionable study of _Pneumatic
+      Chemistry_ he may fairly be said to be the father.
+
+
+    He was a man of restless activity, but he uniformly directed that
+      activity to what seemed to him the public good, seeking neither
+      emolument nor honour from men. Dr. Priestley was possessed of
+      great ardour and vivacity of intellect.... His integrity was
+      unimpeachable; and even malice itself could not fix a stain on his
+      private character.
+
+And what a splendid tribute is contained in the following passages from
+Cuvier:
+
+    Priestley, loaded with glory, was modest enough to be astonished
+      at his good fortune, and at the multitude of beautiful facts,
+      which nature seemed to have revealed to him alone. He forgot that
+      her favours were not gratuitous, and if she had so well explained
+      herself, it was because he had known how to oblige her to do so by
+      his indefatigable perseverance in questioning her, and by the
+      thousand ingenious means he had taken to snatch her answers from
+      her.
+
+    Others carefully hide that which they owe to chance; Priestley
+      seemed to wish to ascribe all his merit to fortuitous
+      circumstances, remarking, with unexampled candour, how many times
+      he had profited by them, without knowing it, how many times he was
+      in possession of new substances without having perceived them; and
+      he never dissimulated the erroneous views which sometimes directed
+      his efforts, and from which he was only undeceived by experience.
+      These confessions did honour to his modesty, without disarming
+      jealousy. Those to whom their own ways and methods had never
+      discovered anything called him a simple worker of experiments,
+      without method and without an object "it is not astonishing,"
+      they added, "that among so many trials and combinations, he should
+      find some that were fortunate." But real natural philosophers were
+      not duped by these selfish criticisms.
+
+Many encomiums like the preceding--yes, a thousandfold--could easily be
+gathered if necessary to show the regard and confidence held for this
+remarkable man to whom America is truly very deeply indebted.
+
+Some years ago the writer paid a visit to the God's Acre of
+Northumberland. He arrived after dark and was conveyed to the sacred
+place in an automobile. Soon the car stopped. Its headlights illuminated
+the upright flat stone which marked the last resting place of the great
+chemist, and in that light not only was the name of the sleeper clearly
+read but the less distinct but legible epitaph:
+
+    Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt
+      bountifully with thee. I will lay me down in peace and sleep till
+      I wake in the morning of the resurrection.
+
+Pondering on these lines there slowly returned to mind the words of
+Franklin's epitaph,--Franklin, who, years before, had encouraged and
+aided the noble exile, who was ever mindful of the former's goodness to
+him:
+
+                The Body
+                   of
+            Benjamin Franklin
+                Printer
+    (Like the cover of an old book
+        Its contents torn out
+    And stript of its lettering and gilding)
+        Lies here food for Worms
+    But the work shall not be lost
+    For it will (as he believed) appear
+                once more
+    In a new and more elegant Edition
+          Revised and corrected
+                    by
+                The Author
+
+And then, by some strange mental reaction, there floated before the
+writer the paragraph uttered by Professor Huxley, when in 1874 a statue
+to Priestley was unveiled in the City of Birmingham:
+
+    Our purpose is to do honour ... to Priestley the peerless defender
+      of national freedom in thought and in action; to Priestley the
+      philosophical thinker; to that Priestley who held a foremost place
+      among the 'swift runners who hand over the lamp of life,' and
+      transmit from one generation to another the fire kindled, in the
+      childhood of the world, at the Promethean altar of science.
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: Chemistry in Old Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Co.,
+Phila., Pa.]
+
+[Footnote 2: Correspondence of Priestley by H. C. Bolton, New York,
+1892.]
+
+[Footnote 3: Mr. Berthollet discovered that oxygenated muriatic gas,
+received in a ley of caustic potash, forms a chrystallizable neutral
+salt, which detonates more strongly than nitre.]
+
+[Footnote 4: Nine Famous Birmingham Men--Cornish Brothers, Publishers,
+1909.]
+
+[Footnote 5: James Woodhouse--A Pioneer in Chemistry--J. C. Winston Co.,
+Phila.--1918.]
+
+[Footnote 6: James Woodhouse--A pioneer in Chemistry--J. C. Winston Co.,
+Phila.--1918.]
+
+[Footnote 7: See _Chemistry in America_, Appleton & Co. and _Chemistry
+in Old Philadelphia_, The J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, Pa.]
+
+[Footnote 8: The original of this letter is now the property of Dr. C.
+A. Browne, New York. He graciously permitted it to be inserted here.]
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's notes:
+====================
+
+FORMATTING, fixed in text:
+==========
+
+A few inconsistencies in the layout and formatting of the book have been
+corrected (an extra blank line in a quoted paragraph, for example). Most
+notably, the "Hints Concerning Public Education" is an essay by
+Priestley quoted verbatim in the text. The original layout did not make a
+clear distinction between Smith's text and this quoted essay; I have
+remedied this with an indent for that section.
+
+
+TYPOS, fixed in text:
+=====
+
+It was an interesting fact (text reads inter-resting, broken across a
+line)
+
+that germ which might once have been supposed (text reads beeen)
+
+September 14, 1794 (text reads September, 14 1794)
+
+the Doctor remained quietly at home (text reads quitely)
+
+on behalf of the Northumberland Academy, praying legislative aid (text
+reads lesiglative)
+
+science which has not waned in the slightest (text reads slighest)
+
+he uniformly directed that activity (text reads uniformily)
+
+from the rod of lawless power (text reads of of)
+
+Almost all the fresh meat they have (text reads flesh meat)
+
+diversions, beginning with the publication (text reads begining)
+
+rather thoughtful disquisition on dreams (text reads disquisiton)
+
+Footnote 6: J. C. Winston Co. (text reads Wintson)
+
+
+APPARENT ERRATA, but could be as appearing in the original letters:
+=============== (left as-is in text).
+
+conduct will evince that I have been to that of great {Great} Britain.
+
+contributes so much as ours do to the cummunication {communication} of
+useful knowledge
+
+sense of security which scientificial {scientific?}
+pursuits require
+
+the same that has been called _philogiston_ {phlogiston}
+
+he would never enter the puplit {pulpit} again.
+
+until it became necesary {necessary} to separate.
+
+we all rejoiced at the aggreeable {agreeable} information
+
+By civil fueds {feuds} exiled my native home
+
+unless you were possessed of _Aladin's {Aladdin's} lamp_
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Priestley in America, by Edgar F. Smith
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA ***
+
+***** This file should be named 20751-8.txt or 20751-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/7/5/20751/
+
+Produced by Hilary Caws-Elwitt, in honor of Peter James
+Caws and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/20751-8.zip b/20751-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5e30fc7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/20751-8.zip
diff --git a/20751-h.zip b/20751-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4ad7903
--- /dev/null
+++ b/20751-h.zip
diff --git a/20751-h/20751-h.htm b/20751-h/20751-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..905b5ad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/20751-h/20751-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,4358 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Priestley in America: 1794-1804, by Edgar F. Smith
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+<!--
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
+         text-align: justify;
+         margin-bottom: .75em;
+         }
+    h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+         text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+         clear: both;
+         }
+    hr.short { width: 10%;
+         margin-left: auto;
+         margin-right: auto;
+         clear: both;
+       }
+    hr.long { width: 65%;
+	 margin-top: 2em;
+	 margin-bottom: 2em;
+         margin-left: auto;
+         margin-right: auto;
+         clear: both;
+       }
+
+    body{margin-left: 10%;
+         margin-right: 10%;
+        }
+
+    .pagenum  { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */
+            /*  visibility: hidden;  */
+                position: absolute;
+                left: 92%;
+                font-size: smaller;
+                text-align: right;
+                text-indent: 0px;
+              } /* page numbers */
+
+    .blockquot{
+                margin-top: 1.5em;
+                margin-left: 5%;
+                margin-right: 10%;
+                text-indent: -15px;
+                margin-bottom: 1.5em;
+                }
+    .blockquot-lc{
+                margin-top: 1.5em;
+                margin-left: 5%;
+                margin-right: 10%;
+                margin-bottom: 1.5em;
+                }
+    .blockquot-letter{
+                margin-top: 1.5em;
+                margin-left: 5%;
+                text-indent: -30px;
+                margin-right: 10%;
+                margin-bottom: -1.5em;
+                }
+    .blockquot-signoff{
+                padding-top: 0.5em;
+                margin-left: 5%;
+                text-indent: 15px;
+                margin-right: 10%;
+                margin-bottom: 1.5em;
+                }
+    .blockquot-letter-signoff{
+                margin-top: -1.5em;
+                margin-left: 50%;
+                margin-right: 10%;
+                margin-bottom: 1.5em;
+                }
+    .blockquot-date{
+                margin-top: 1.5em;
+                margin-left: 60%;
+                margin-right: 10%;
+                margin-bottom: -1.5em;
+                text-align: right;
+                }
+   .blockquot-date-end{
+                margin-top: -1.5em;
+                margin-left: 5%;
+                margin-right: 10%;
+                margin-bottom: 2em;
+                }
+
+    .bbox     {border: dashed 1px;
+               margin-top: 2em;
+               padding: 0.5em;}
+
+    .center   {text-align: center;}
+    .smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+    .footnotes        {border: dashed 1px;}
+    .footnote         {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;}
+    .footnote .label  {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;}
+    .fnanchor         {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;}
+
+    ins.correction {border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: red; border-bottom-width:1px;}
+    // -->
+    /* XML end  ]]>*/
+    </style>
+  </head>
+
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Priestley in America, by Edgar F. Smith
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Priestley in America
+       1794-1804
+
+Author: Edgar F. Smith
+
+Release Date: March 6, 2007 [EBook #20751]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Hilary Caws-Elwitt, in honor of Peter James
+Caws and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>PRIESTLEY</h1>
+<h3>IN</h3>
+<h1>AMERICA</h1>
+<h3 style="padding-bottom: 4em">1794-1804</h3>
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+<h3>EDGAR F. SMITH</h3>
+<h5 style="padding-bottom: 6em">UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA</h5>
+
+<h4>PHILADELPHIA</h4>
+<h3>P. BLAKISTON'S SON &amp; CO.</h3>
+<h4>1012 WALNUT STREET</h4>
+
+<hr class="long" />
+<h5><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1920, by P. Blakiston's Son &amp; Co.</span></h5>
+
+<h5 style="padding-top: 6em">THE MAPLE PRESS YORK PA</h5>
+<hr class="long" />
+
+
+
+<h3>PREFACE</h3>
+
+
+<p>The writer, in studying the lives of early American chemists,
+encountered the name of <i>Joseph Priestley</i> so frequently, that he
+concluded to institute a search with the view of learning as much as
+possible of the life and activities, during his exile in this country,
+of the man whom chemists everywhere deeply revere. Recourse, therefore,
+was had to contemporary newspapers, documents and books, and the
+resulting material woven into the sketch given in the appended pages. If
+nothing more, it may be, perhaps, a connecting chapter for any future
+history of chemistry in America. Its preparation has been a genuine
+pleasure, which, it is hoped by him whose hand guided the pen, will be
+shared by his fellow chemists, and all who are interested in the growth
+and development of science in this country.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="long" />
+<h2>PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA</h2>
+
+
+<p>There lies before the writer a tube of glass, eleven and one half<!-- Page 1 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span>
+ inches
+in length and a quarter of an inch in diameter. Its walls are thin. At
+one end there is evidence that an effort was made to bend this tube in
+the flame. Ordinarily it would be tossed aside; but this particular tube
+was given the writer years ago by a great-grandson of Joseph Priestley.
+Attached to the tube is a bit of paper upon which appear the words
+"piece of tubing used by Priestley." That legend has made the tube
+precious in the heart and to the eye of the writer. Everything relating
+to this wonderful figure in science, history, religion, politics and
+philosophy is very dear to him. On all sides of him are relics and
+reminders of Priestley. Not all, but many of his publications are near
+at hand. After perusal of these at various times, and while reading the
+many life sketches of Priestley, there has come the desire to know more
+<!-- Page 2 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>about his activities during the decade (1794-1804) he lived in America.
+Isn't it fair to declare that the great majority of chemical students
+think of Priestley as working only in England, his native land, and
+never give thought to his efforts during the last ten years of his life?
+It has been said that he probably inspired and incited the young
+chemists of this country to renewed endeavor in their science upon his
+advent here. There is no question that he influenced James Woodhouse and
+his particular confreres most profoundly, as he did a younger
+generation, represented by Robert Hare. Priestley again set in rapid
+motion chemical research in the young Republic.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> He must therefore
+have done something himself. What was it? Is it worth while to learn the
+character of this work? Modern tendencies are antagonistic to the past.
+Many persons care nothing for history. It is a closed book. They do not
+wish it to be opened, and yet the present is built upon the early work.
+In reviewing the development of chemistry in this country everything,
+from the first happening here, should be laid upon the table for study
+and reflection. Thus believing, it will not be out of place to seek some
+light upon the occupation of the discoverer of oxygen after he came to
+live among us&mdash;with our fathers.<!-- Page 3 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Noble-hearted, sympathetic Thomas E. Thorpe wrote:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>If, too, as you draw up to the fire 'betwixt the gloaming and the
+mirk' of these dull, cold November days, and note the little blue
+flame playing round the red-hot coals, think kindly of Priestley,
+for he first told us of the nature of that flame when in the exile
+to which our forefathers drove him.</p></div>
+
+<p>Right there, "the nature of the flame," is one thing Priestley did
+explain in America. He discovered carbon monoxide&mdash;not in England, but
+in "exile."<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> It may not be an epoch-making observation. There are not
+many such and those who make them are not legion in number. It was an
+<ins class="correction" title="original: 'inter-resting'">interesting</ins> fact, with a very definite value, which has persisted
+through many succeeding decades and is so matter-of-fact that rarely
+does one arise to ask who first discovered this simple oxide of carbon.</p>
+
+<p>Priestley was a man of strong human sympathies. He loved to mingle with
+men and exchange thoughts. Furthermore, Priestley was a minister&mdash;a
+preacher. He was ordained while at Warrington, and gloried in the fact
+that he was a<!-- Page 4 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>
+Dissenting Minister. It was not his devotion to science which sent him
+"into exile." His advanced thought along political and religious lines,
+his unequivocal utterances on such subjects,&mdash;proved to be the rock upon
+which he shipwrecked. It has been said&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>By some strange irony of fate this man, who was by nature one of
+the most peaceable and peace-loving of men, singularly calm and
+dispassionate, not prone to disputation or given to wrangling,
+acquired the reputation of being perhaps the most cantankerous man
+of his time....</p></div>
+
+<p>There is a wide-spread impression that Priestley was a chemist. This is
+the answer which invariably comes from the lips of students upon being
+interrogated concerning him. The truth is that Priestley's attention was
+only turned to chemistry when in the thirties by Matthew Turner, who
+lectured on this subject in the Warrington Academy in which Priestley
+labored as a teacher. So he was rather advanced in life before the
+science he enriched was revealed to him in the experimental way. Let it
+again be declared, he was a teacher. His thoughts were mostly those of a
+teacher. Education occupied him. He wrote upon it.<!-- Page 5 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> The old Warrington
+Academy was a "hot-bed of liberal dissent," and there were few subjects
+upon which he did not publicly declare himself as a dissenter.</p>
+
+<p>He learned to know our own delightful Franklin in one of his visits to
+London. Franklin was then sixty years of age, while Priestley was little
+more than half his age. A warm friendship immediately sprang up. It
+reacted powerfully upon Priestley's work as "a political thinker and as
+a natural philosopher." In short, Franklin "made Priestley into a man of
+science." This intimacy between these remarkable men should not escape
+American students. Recall that positively fascinating letter (1788) from
+Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, in which occur these words:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Remember me affectionately ... to the honest heretic Dr.
+Priestley. I do not call him honest by way of distinction, for I
+think all the heretics I have known have been virtuous men. They
+have the virtue of Fortitude, or they would not venture to own
+their heresy; and they cannot afford to be deficient in any of the
+other virtues, as that would give advantage to their many
+enemies.... Do not however mistake me. It is not to my good
+<!-- Page 6 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>friend's heresy that I impute his honesty. On the contrary 'tis
+his honesty that has brought upon him the character of heretic.</p></div>
+
+<p>Much of Priestley's thought was given to religious matters. In Leeds he
+acknowledged himself a <i>humanitarian</i>, or</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>a believer in the doctrine that Jesus Christ was in nature solely
+and truly a man, however highly exalted by God.</p></div>
+
+<p>His home in Leeds adjoined a "public brew house." He there amused
+himself with experiments on carbon dioxide (fixed air). Step by step he
+became strongly attracted to experimentation. His means, however,
+forbade the purchase of apparatus and he was obliged to devise the same
+and also to think out his own methods of attack. Naturally, his
+apparatus was simple. He loved to repeat experiments, thus insuring
+their accuracy.</p>
+
+<p>In 1772 he published his first paper on Pneumatic Chemistry. It told of
+the impregnation of water with carbon dioxide. It attracted attention
+and was translated into French. This soda-water paper won for Priestley
+the Copley medal (1773). While thus signally honored he continued
+publish<!-- Page 7 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>ing views on theology and metaphysics. These made a considerable
+uproar.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the memorable year of 1774&mdash;the birth-year of oxygen. How many
+chemists, with but two years in the science, have been so fortunate as
+to discover an element, better still probably the most important of all
+the elements! It was certainly a rare good fortune! It couldn't help but
+make him the observed among observers. This may have occasioned the hue
+and cry against his polemical essays on government and church to become
+more frequent and in some instances almost furious.</p>
+
+<p>It was now that he repaired to London. Here he had daily intercourse
+with Franklin, whose encouragement prompted him to go bravely forward in
+his adopted course.</p>
+
+<p>It was in 1780 that he took up his residence in Birmingham. This was
+done at the instance of his brother-in-law. The atmosphere was most
+congenial and friendly. Then, he was most desirous of resuming his
+ministerial duties; further, he would have near at hand good workmen to
+aid him in the preparation of apparatus for his philosophical pursuits.
+Best of all his friends were there, including those devoted to science.
+Faujar St. Fond, a French geologist has recorded a visit to Priestley<!-- Page 8 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Dr. Priestley received me with the greatest kindness.... The
+building in which Dr. Priestley made his chemical and
+philosophical experiments was detached from his house to avoid the
+danger of fire. It consisted of several apartments on the ground
+floor. Upon entering it we were struck with a simple and ingenious
+apparatus for making experiments on inflammable gas extracted from
+iron and water reduced to vapour.</p></div>
+
+<p>If, only, all the time of Dr. Priestley in Birmingham had been devoted
+to science, but alas, his "beloved theology" claimed much of it. He
+would enter into controversy&mdash;he would dissent, and the awful hour was
+advancing by leaps and bounds. The storm was approaching.</p>
+
+<p>It burst forth with fury in 1791. The houses of worship, in which he was
+wont to officiate, were the first to meet destruction, then followed his
+own house in which were assembled his literary treasures and the
+apparatus he had constructed and gathered with pains, sacrifice and
+extreme effort. Its demolition filled his very soul with deepest sorrow.
+Close at hand, the writer has a neat little chemical balance. It was
+brought to this country by Priestley, and tradition has it,<!-- Page 9 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> that it was
+among the pieces of the celebrated collection of chemical utensils
+rescued from the hands of the infuriated mob which sought even the life
+of Priestley, who fortunately had been spirited or hidden away by loyal,
+devoted friends and admirers. In time he ventured forth into the open
+and journeyed to London, and when quiet was completely restored, he
+returned to one of his early fields of activity, but wisdom and the calm
+judgment of friends decided this as unwise. Through it all Priestley was
+quiet and philosophical, which is evident from the following story:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A friend called on him soon after the riots and condoled with him
+for his loss in general, then mentioned the destruction of his
+books as an object of particular regret. Priestley answered, "I
+should have read my books to little purpose if they had not taught
+me to bear the loss of them with composure and resignation."</p></div>
+
+<p>But the iron had entered his soul. He could not believe that in his own
+England any man would be treated as he had been treated. His country was
+dear to him. He prized it beyond expression, but he could not hope for
+the peace his heart craved. His family circle was broken, two of his
+sons hav<!-- Page 10 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>ing come to America, so in the end, deeply concerned for his
+life-companion's comfort, the decision to emigrate was reached, and
+their faces were turned to the West.</p>
+
+<p>In reviewing the history of chemistry the remark is frequently heard
+that one blotch on the fair escutcheon of French science was placed
+there when the remorseless guillotine ushered Lavoisier into eternity.
+Was not the British escutcheon of science dimmed when Priestley passed
+into exile? Priestley&mdash;who had wrought so splendidly! And yet we should
+not be too severe, for an illustrious name&mdash;Count Rumford&mdash;which should
+have been ours&mdash;was lost to us by influences not wholly unlike those
+which gained us Priestley. Benjamin Thompson, early in life abandoned a
+home and a country which his fellow citizens had made intolerable.</p>
+
+<p>Read Priestley's volumes on Air and on Natural Philosophy. They are
+classics. All conversant with their contents agree that the experimental
+work was marvelous. Priestley's discovery of oxygen was epoch-making,
+but does not represent all that he did. Twice he just escaped the
+discovery of nitrogen. One wonders how this occurred. He had it in hand.
+The other numerous observations made by him antedate his American life
+and need not be mentioned<!-- Page 11 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> here. They alone would have given him a
+permanent and honorable rank in the history of chemistry. Students of
+the science should reserve judgment of Priestley until they have
+familiarized themselves with all his contributions, still accessible in
+early periodicals. When that has been done, the loss to English science,
+by Priestley's departure to another clime will be apparent.</p>
+
+<p>His dearest friends would have held him with them. Not every man's hand
+was against him&mdash;on the contrary, numerous were those, even among the
+opponents of his political and theological utterances, who hoped that he
+would not desert them. They regretted that he had&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>turned his attention too much from the luminous field of
+philosophic disquisition to the sterile regions of polemic
+divinity, and the still more thorny paths of polemic politics....</p></div>
+
+<p>from which the hope was cherished that he would recede and devote all
+his might to philosophical pursuits.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A very considerable number ... of enlightened inhabitants,
+convinced of his <!-- Page 12 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>integrity as a man, sincerity as a preacher, and
+superlative merit as a philosopher, were his strenuous advocates
+and admirers.</p></div>
+
+<p>But the die had been cast, and to America he sailed on April 8, 1794, in
+the good ship <i>Sansom</i>, Capt. Smith, with a hundred others&mdash;his fellow
+passengers. Whilst on the seas his great protagonist Lavoisier met his
+death on the scaffold.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Such was the treatment bestowed upon the best of their citizens by
+two nations which considered themselves as without exception the
+most civilized and enlightened in the world!</p></div>
+
+<p>It is quite natural to query how the grand old scientist busied himself
+on this voyage of eight weeks and a day. The answer is found in his own
+words:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I read the whole of the Greek Testament, and the Hebrew bible as
+far as the first Book of Samuel: also Ovid's Metamorphoses,
+Buchanan's poems, Erasmus' Dialogues, also Peter Pindar's poems,
+&amp;c.... and <!-- Page 13 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>to amuse myself I tried the heat of the water at
+different depths, and made other observations, which suggest
+various experiments, which I shall prosecute whenever I get my
+apparatus at liberty.</p></div>
+
+<p>The Doctor was quite sea-sick, and at times sad, but uplifted when his
+eyes beheld the proofs of friendship among those he was leaving behind.
+Thus he must have smiled benignantly on beholding the</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>elegant Silver Inkstand, with the following inscription, presented
+... by three young Gentlemen of the University of Cambridge:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"To Joseph Priestley, LL.D. &amp;c. on his departure into Exile,
+from a few members of the University of Cambridge, who regret
+that expression of their Esteem should be occasioned by the
+ingratitude of their Country."</p></div></div>
+
+<p>And, surely, he must have taken renewed courage on perusing the
+valedictory message received from the Society of United Irishmen of
+Dublin:<!-- Page 14 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Sir,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>SUFFER a Society which has been caluminated as devoid of all sense
+of religion, law or morality, to sympathize with one whom calumny
+of a similar kind is about to drive from his native land, a land
+which he has adorned and enlightened in almost every branch of
+liberal literature, and of useful philosophy. The emigration of
+Dr. Priestley will form a striking historical fact, by which
+alone, future ages will learn to estimate truly the temper of the
+present time. Your departure will not only give evidence of the
+injury which philosophy and literature have received in your
+person, but will prove the accumulation of petty disquietudes,
+which has robbed your life of its zest and enjoyment, for, at your
+age no one would willingly embark on such a voyage, and sure we
+are, it was your wish and prayer to be buried in your native
+country, which contains the dust of your old friends Saville,
+Price, Jebb, and Fothergill. But be cheerful, dear Sir, you are
+going to a happier world&mdash;the world of Washington and Franklin.</p>
+
+<p>In idea, we accompany you. We stand near you while you are setting
+sail. We watch<!-- Page 15 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> your eyes that linger on the white cliffs and we
+hear the patriarchal blessing which your soul pours out on the
+land of your nativity, the aspiration that ascends to God for its
+peace, its freedom and its prosperity. Again, do we participate in
+your feelings on first beholding Nature in her noblest scenes and
+grandest features, on finding man busied in rendering himself
+worthy of Nature, but more than all, on contemplating with
+philosophic prescience the coming period when those vast inland
+seas shall be shadowed with sails, when the St. Lawrence and
+Mississippi, shall stretch forth their arms to embrace the
+continent in a great circle of interior navigation: when the
+Pacific Ocean shall pour into the Atlantic; when man will become
+more precious than fine gold, and when his ambition will be to
+subdue the elements, not to subjugate his fellow-creatures, to
+make fire, water, earth and air obey his bidding, but to leave the
+poor ethereal mind as the sole thing in Nature free and
+incoercible.</p>
+
+<p>Happy indeed would it be were men in power to recollect this
+quality of the human mind. Suffer us to give them an example from
+a science of which you are a mighty<!-- Page 16 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> master, that attempts to fix
+the element of mind only increase its activity, and that to
+calculate what may be from what has been is a very dangerous
+deceit.&mdash;Were all the saltpetre in India monopolized, this would
+only make chemical researches more ardent and successful. The
+chalky earths would be searched for it, and nitre beds would be
+made in every cellar and every stable. Did not that prove
+sufficient the genius of chemistry would find in a new salt a
+substitute for nitre or a power superior to it.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> It requires
+greater genius than Mr. Pitt seems to possess, to know the
+wonderful resources of the mind, when patriotism animates
+philosophy, and all the arts and sciences are put under a state of
+requisition, when the attention of a whole scientific people is
+bent to multiplying the means and instruments of destruction and
+when philosophy rises in a mass to drive on the wedge of war. A
+black powder has changed the military art, and in a great degree
+the manners of mankind. Why may not the same science which
+produced it, produce another powder which, inflamed under a
+certain compression, might impell the air, so as to shake down the
+strongest towers and scatter destruction.<!-- Page 17 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But you are going to a country where science is turned to better
+uses. Your change of place will give room for the matchless
+activity of your genius; and you will take a sublime pleasure in
+bestowing on Britain the benefit of your future discoveries. As
+matter changes its form but not a particle is ever lost, so the
+principles of virtuous minds are equally imperishable; and your
+change of situation may even render truth more operative,
+knowledge more productive, and in the event, liberty itself more
+universal. Wafted by the winds or tossed by the waves, the seed
+that is here thrown out as dead, there shoots up and flourishes.
+It is probable that emigration to America from the first
+settlement downward, has not only served the cause of general
+liberty, but will eventually and circuitously serve it even in
+Britain. What mighty events have arisen from that germ which might
+once have <ins class="correction" title="original: 'beeen'">been</ins> supposed to be lost forever in the woods of
+America, but thrown upon the bosom of Nature, the<!-- Page 18 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> breath of God
+revived it, and the world hath gathered its fruits. Even Ireland
+has contributed her share to the liberties of America; and while
+purblind statesmen were happy to get rid of the stubborn
+Presbyterians of the North, they little thought that they were
+serving a good cause in another quarter.&mdash;Yes! the Volunteers of
+Ireland still live&mdash;they live across the Atlantic. Let this idea
+animate us in our sufferings, and may the pure principles and
+genuine lustre of the British Constitution reflected from their
+Coast, penetrate into ourselves and our dungeons.</p>
+
+<p>Farewell&mdash;great and good man! Great by your mental powers, by your
+multiplied literary labours, but still greater by those household
+virtues which form the only solid security for public conduct by
+those mild and gentle qualities, which far from being averse to,
+are most frequently attended with severe and inflexible
+patriotism, rising like an oak above a modest
+mansion.&mdash;Farewell&mdash;but before you go, we beseech a portion of
+your parting prayer to the author of Good for Archibald Hamilton
+Rowan, the pupil of Jebb, our Brother, now suffering imprisonment,
+and for all those<!-- Page 19 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> who have suffered, and are about to suffer in
+the same cause&mdash;the cause of impartial and adequate
+representation&mdash;the cause of the Constitution. Pray to the best of
+Beings for Muir, Palmer, Skirving, Margarott and Gerald, who are
+now, or will shortly be crossing, like you, the bleak Ocean, to a
+barbarous land!&mdash;Pray that they may be animated with the same
+spirit, which in the days of their fathers, triumphed at the
+stake, and shone in the midst of flames. Melancholy indeed, it is
+that the mildest and most humane of all Religions should have been
+so perverted as to hang or burn men in order to keep them of one
+faith.</p>
+
+<p>It is equally melancholy, that the most deservedly extolled of
+Civil Constitutions, should recur to similar modes of coercion,
+and that hanging and burning are not now employed, principally,
+because measures apparently milder are considered as more
+effectual. Farewell! Soon may you embrace your sons on the
+American shore, and Washington take you by the hand, and the shade
+of Franklin look down with calm delight on the first statesman of
+the age extending his protection to its first philosopher.</p></div><p><!-- Page 20 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And how interestedly did America anticipate the arrival of the world
+renowned philosopher is in a measure foreshadowed by the following
+excerpt from the <i>American Daily Advertiser</i> for Thursday, June 5, 1794:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Dr. Priestley, with about one hundred other passengers, are on
+board the Sansom, which may be hourly expected.</p></div>
+
+<p>In an editorial of the same paper, printed about the same date, there
+appeared the following tribute:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It must afford the most sincere gratification to every well wisher
+to the rights of man, that the United States of America, the land
+of freedom and independence, has become the asylum of the greatest
+characters of the present age, who have been persecuted in Europe,
+merely because they have defended the rights of the enslaved
+nations.</p>
+
+<p>The name of Joseph Priestley will be long remembered among all
+enlightened people; and there is no doubt that England will one
+day regret her ungrateful treatment to this venerable and
+illustrious man. His<!-- Page 21 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> persecutions in England have presented to
+him the American Republic as a safe and honourable retreat in his
+declining years; and his arrival in this City calls upon us to
+testify our respect and esteem for a man whose whole life has been
+devoted to the sacred duty of diffusing knowledge and happiness
+among nations.</p>
+
+<p>The citizens of united America know well the honourable
+distinction that is due to virtue and talents; and while they
+cherish in their hearts the memory of Dr. Franklin, as a
+philosopher, they will be proud to rank among the list of their
+illustrious fellow citizens, the name of Dr. Priestley.</p></div>
+
+<p>Quietly but with great inward rejoicing were the travel-worn
+voyagers&mdash;the Doctor and his wife&mdash;received on the evening of June 4,
+1794, at the old Battery in New York, by their son Joseph and his wife,
+who had long awaited them, and now conducted them to a nearby lodging
+house, which had been the head-quarters of Generals Howe and Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>On the following morning the Priestleys were visited by Governor
+Clinton, Dr. Prevost, Bishop of New York and most of the principal
+merchants, and deputations of corporate bodies and Societies,<!-- Page 22 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> bringing
+addresses of welcome. Thus, among the very first to present their
+sympathetic welcome was the Democratic Society of the City of New York,
+which in the address of its President, Mr. James Nicholson, made June 7,
+1794, said:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Sir,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>WE are appointed by the Democratic Society of the City of New
+York, a Committee to congratulate you on your arrival in this
+country: And we feel the most lively pleasure in bidding you a
+hearty welcome to these shores of Liberty and Equality.</p>
+
+<p>While the arm of Tyranny is extended in most of the nations of the
+world, to crush the spirit of liberty, and bind in chains the
+bodies and minds of men, we acknowledge, with ardent gratitude to
+the Great Parent of the Universe, our singular felicity in living
+in a land, where Reason has successfully triumphed over the
+artificial distinctions of European policy and bigotry, and where
+the law equally protects the virtuous citizen of every description
+and persuasion.</p>
+
+<p>On this occasion we cannot but observe, that we once esteemed
+ourselves happy in the<!-- Page 23 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> relation that subsisted between us and the
+Government of Great Britain&mdash;But the multiplied oppressions which
+characterized that Government, excite in us the most painful
+sensations, and exhibit a spectacle as disgusting in itself, as
+dishonourable to the British name.</p>
+
+<p>The governments of the old world present to us one huge mass of
+intrigue, corruption and despotism&mdash;most of them are now basely
+combined, to prevent the establishment of liberty in France, and
+to affect the total destruction of the rights of man. Under these
+afflicting circumstances we rejoice that America opens her arms to
+receive, with fraternal affection, the friend of liberty and human
+happiness, and that here he may enjoy the best blessings of
+civilized society.</p>
+
+<p>We sincerely sympathize with you in all that you have suffered,
+and we consider the persecution with which you have been pursued
+by a venal Court and an imperious and uncharitable priesthood, as
+an illustrious proof of your personal merit, and a lasting
+reproach to that Government from the grasp of whose tyranny you
+are so happily removed.<!-- Page 24 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Accept, Sir, of the sincere and best wishes of the Society whom we
+represent, for the continuance of your health, and the increase of
+your individual and domestic happiness.</p></div>
+
+<p>To which Priestley graciously replied:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Gentlemen,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>VIEWING with the deepest concern, as you do, the prospect that is
+now exhibited in Europe, those troubles which are the natural
+offspring of their forms of government originating, indeed, in the
+spirit of liberty, but gradually degenerating in tyrannies,
+equally degrading to the rulers and the ruled, I rejoice in
+finding an asylum from persecution in a country in which these
+abuses have come to a natural termination, and have produced
+another system of liberty founded on such wise principles, as, I
+trust, will guard it against all future abuses; those artificial
+distinctions in society, from which they sprung, being completely
+eradicated, that protection from violence which laws and
+government promise in all countries, but which I have not found in
+my own, I doubt not I shall find with you, though, I cannot
+promise to be a better subject of this government, than<!-- Page 25 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> my whole
+conduct will evince that I have been to that of <ins class="correction" title="sic; G">g</ins>reat Britain.</p>
+
+<p>Justly, however, as I think I may complain of the treatment I have
+met with in England I sincerely wish her prosperity, and, from the
+good will I bear both that country and this I ardently wish that
+all former animosities may be forgotten and that a perpetual
+friendship may subsist between them.</p></div>
+
+<p>And on Monday, June, 11, 1794, having taken the first opportunity to
+visit Priestley, the Tammany Society presented this address:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Sir,</p>
+
+<p>A numerous body of freemen who associate to cultivate among them
+the love of liberty and the enjoyment of the happy Republican
+government under which they live and who for several years have
+been known in this city, by the name of the Tammany Society have
+deputed us a Committee to express to you their pleasure and
+congratulations on your safe arrival in this country.</p>
+
+<p>Their venerable ancestors escaped, as you have done, from
+persecutions of intolerance,<!-- Page 26 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> bigotry and despotism, and they
+would deem themselves, an unworthy progeny were they not highly
+interested in your safety and happiness.</p>
+
+<p>It is not alone because your various useful publications evince a
+life devoted to literature and the industrious pursuit of
+knowledge; not only because your numerous discoveries in Nature
+are so efficient to the progression of human happiness: but they
+have long known you to be the friend of mankind and in defiance of
+calumny and malice, an asserter of the rights of conscience and
+the champion of civil and religious liberty.</p>
+
+<p>They have learned with regret and indignation the abandoned
+proceedings of those spoilers who destroyed your house and goods,
+ruined your philosophical apparatus and library, committed to the
+flames your manuscripts, pryed into the secrets of your private
+papers, and in their barbarian fury put your life itself in
+danger. They heard you also with exalted benevolence return unto
+them "blessings for curses:" and while you thus exemplified the
+undaunted integrity of the patriot, the mild and forbearing
+virtues of the Christian,<!-- Page 27 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> they hailed you victor in this
+magnanimous triumph over your enemies.</p>
+
+<p>You have fled from the rude arm of violence, from the flames of
+bigotry, from the rod <ins class="correction" title="original: 'of of'">of</ins> lawless power: and you shall find
+refuge in the bosom of freedom, of peace, and of Americans.</p>
+
+<p>You have left your native land, a country doubtless ever dear to
+you&mdash;a country for whose improvement in virtue and knowledge you
+have long disinterestedly laboured, for which its rewards are
+ingratitude, injustice and banishment. A country although now
+presenting a prospect frightful to the eyes of humanity, yet once
+the nurse of science, of arts, of heroes, and of freeman&mdash;a
+country which although at present apparently self devoted to
+destruction, we fondly hope may yet tread back the steps of infamy
+and ruin, and once more rise conspicuous among the free nations of
+the earth. In this advanced period of your life, when nature
+demands the sweets of tranquility, you have been constrained to
+encounter the tempestous deep, to risk disappointed prospects in a
+foreign land, to give up the satisfaction of domestic quiet, to
+tear yourself from the<!-- Page 28 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> friends of your youth, from a numerous
+acquaintance who revere and love you, and will long deplore your
+loss.</p>
+
+<p>We enter, Sir, with emotion and sympathy into the numerous
+sacrifices you must have made, to an undertaking which so
+eminently exhibits our country as an asylum for the persecuted and
+oppressed, and into those regretful sensibilities your heart
+experienced when the shores of your native land were lessening to
+your view.</p>
+
+<p>Alive to the impressions of this occasion we give you a warm and
+hearty welcome into these United States. We trust a country worthy
+of you; where Providence has unfolded a scene as new as it is
+august, as felicitating as it is unexampled. The enjoyment of
+liberty with but one disgraceful exception, pervades every class
+of citizens. A catholic and sincere spirit of toleration regulates
+society which rises into zeal when the sacred rights of humanity
+are invaded. And there exists a sentiment of free and candid
+inquiry which disdains shackles of tradition, promising a rich
+harvest of improvement and the glorious triumphs of truth. We
+hope, Sir, that the Great Being whose laws and works you<!-- Page 29 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> have
+made the study of your life, will smile upon and bless
+you&mdash;restore you to every domestic and philosophical enjoyment,
+prosper you in every undertaking, beneficial to mankind, render
+you, as you have been to your own, the ornament of this country,
+and crown you at last with immortal felicity and honour.</p></div>
+
+<p>And to this the venerable scientist was pleased to say:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Gentlemen,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I think myself greatly honoured, flying as I do, from ill
+treatment in my native country, on account of my attachment to the
+cause of civil and religious liberty, to be received with the
+congratulations of "a Society of Freemen associated to cultivate
+the love of liberty, and the enjoyment of a happy Republican
+government." Happy would our venerable ancestors, as you justly
+call them, have been, to have found America such a retreat for
+them as it is to me, when they were driven hither; but happy has
+it proved to me, and happy will it be for the world, that in the
+wise and benevolent order of Providence, abuses of<!-- Page 30 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> power are ever
+destructive of itself, and favourable to liberty. Their strenuous
+exertions and yours now give me that asylum which at my time of
+life is peculiarly grateful to me, who only wish to continue
+unmolested those pursuits of various literature to which, without
+having ever entered into any political connexions my life has been
+devoted.</p>
+
+<p>I join you in viewing with regret the unfavourable prospect of
+Great Britain formerly, as you say, the nurse of science, and of
+freemen, and wish with you, that the unhappy delusion that country
+is now under may soon vanish, and that whatever be the form of its
+government it may vie with this country in everything that is
+favourable to the best interests of mankind, and join with you in
+removing that only disgraceful circumstance, which you justly
+acknowledge to be an exception to the enjoyment of equal liberty,
+among yourselves. That the Great Being whose providence extends
+alike to all the human race, and to whose disposal I cheerfully
+commit myself, may establish whatever is good, and remove whatever
+is imperfect from your government and from every govern<!-- Page 31 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>ment in
+the known world, is the earnest prayer of,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Gentlemen,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-signoff"><p>Your respectful humble servant.</p></div>
+
+<p>As Priestley had ever gloried in the fact that he was a teacher, what
+more appropriate in this period of congratulatory welcome, could have
+come to him than the following message of New York's teaching body:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The associated Teachers in the city of New York beg leave to offer
+you a sincere and hearty welcome to this land of tranquility and
+freedom.</p>
+
+<p>Impressed with the idea of the real importance of so valuable an
+acquisition to the growing interests of science and literature, in
+this country, we are particularly happy that the honour of your
+first reception, has fallen to this state, and to the city of New
+York.</p>
+
+<p>As labourers in those fields which you have occupied with the most
+distinguished eminence, at the arduous and important task of
+cultivating the human mind, we contemplate with peculiar
+satisfaction the auspicious influence which your personal<!-- Page 32 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
+residence in this country, will add to that of your highly
+valuable scientific and literary productions, by which we have
+already been materially benefited.</p>
+
+<p>We beg leave to anticipate the happiness of sharing in some
+degree, that patronage of science and literature, which it has
+ever been your delight to afford. This will give facility to our
+expressions; direct and encourage us in our arduous employments;
+assist us to form the man, and thereby give efficacy to the
+diffusion of useful knowledge.</p>
+
+<p>Our most ardent wishes attend you, good Sir, that you may find in
+this land a virtuous simplicity, a happy recess from the
+intriguing politics and vitiating refinements of the European
+world. That your patriotic virtues may add to the vigour of our
+happy Constitution and that the blessings of this country may be
+abundantly remunerated into your person and your family.</p>
+
+<p>And we rejoice in believing, that the Parent of Nature, by those
+secret communications of happiness with which he never fails to
+reward the virtuous mind, will here convey to you that
+consolation, support, and joy, which are independent of local
+circum<!-- Page 33 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>stances, and "Which the world can neither give nor take
+away."</p></div>
+
+<p>Touched, indeed was Priestley by this simple, outspoken greeting from
+those who appreciated his genuine interest in the cause of education.
+Hence his reply was in a kindred spirit:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A welcome to this country from my fellow labourers in the
+instruction of youth, is, I assure you, peculiarly grateful to me.
+Classes of men, as well as individuals, are apt to form too high
+ideas of their own importance; but certainly one of the most
+important is, that which contributes so much as ours do to the
+<ins class="correction" title="sic; presumably communication">cummunication</ins> of useful knowledge, as forming the characters of
+men, thereby fitting them for their several stations in society.
+In some form or other this has been my employment and delight; and
+my principal object in flying for an asylum to this country, "a
+land," as I hope you justly term it, "of virtuous simplicity, and
+a recess from the intriguing politics, and vicious refinements of
+the European world," is that I may, without molestation, pursue my
+favourite studies. And if I had an opportunity of making choice of
+an<!-- Page 34 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> employment for what remains of active exertion in life, it
+would be one in which I should as I hope I have hitherto done,
+contribute with you, to advance the cause of science, of virtue,
+and of religion.</p></div>
+
+<p>Further, The Medical Society of the State of New York through Dr. John
+Charlton, its President, said:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>PERMIT us, Sir, to wait upon you with an offering of our sincere
+congratulations, on your safe arrival, with your lady and family
+in this happy country, and to express our real joy, in receiving
+among us, a gentleman, whose labours have contributed so much to
+the diffusion and establishment of civil and religious liberty,
+and whose deep researches into the true principles of natural
+philosophy, have derived so much improvement and real benefit, not
+only to the sciences of chemistry and medicine, but to various
+other arts, all of which are necessary to the ornament and utility
+of human life.</p>
+
+<p>May you, Sir, possess and enjoy, here, uninterrupted contentment
+and happiness, and may your valuable life be continued a farther
+blessing to mankind.</p></div><p><!-- Page 35 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And in his answer Dr. Priestley remarked:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I THINK myself greatly honoured in being congratulated on my
+arrival in this country by a Society of persons whose studies bear
+some relation to my own. To continue, without fear of molestation,
+on account of the most open profession of any sentiments, civil or
+religious, those pursuits which you are sensible have for their
+object the advantage of all mankind, (being, as you justly
+observe, "necessary to the ornament and utility of human life") is
+my principal motive for leaving a country in which that
+tranquility and sense of security which <ins class="correction" title="sic; presumably scientific">scientificial</ins> pursuits
+require, cannot be had; and I am happy to find here, persons who
+are engaged in the same pursuits, and who have the just sense that
+you discover of their truly enviable situation.</p></div>
+
+<p>As a climax to greetings extended in the City of New York, The
+Republican Natives of Great Britain and Ireland resident in that city
+said,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>WE, the Republican natives of Great Britain and Ireland, resident
+in the city of New York, embrace, with the highest satisfac<!-- Page 36 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>tion,
+the opportunity which your arrival in this city presents, of
+bearing our testimony to your character and virtue and of
+expressing our joy that you come among us in circumstances of such
+good health and spirits.</p>
+
+<p>We have beheld with the keenest sensibility, the unparallelled
+persecutions which attended you in your native country, and have
+sympathized with you under all their variety and extent. In the
+firm hope, that you are now completely removed from the effects of
+every species of intolerance, we most sincerely congratulate you.</p>
+
+<p>After a fruitless opposition to a corrupt and tyrannical
+government, many of us have, like you, sought freedom and
+protection in the United States of America; but to this we have
+all been principally induced, from the full persuasion, that a
+republican representative government, was not merely best adapted
+to promote human happiness, but that it is the only rational
+system worthy the wisdom of man to project, or to which his reason
+should assent.</p>
+
+<p>Participating in the many blessings which the government of this
+country is calculated to<!-- Page 37 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> insure, we are happy in giving it this
+proof of our respectful attachment:&mdash;We are only grieved, that a
+system of such beauty and excellence, should be at all tarnished
+by the existence of slavery in any form; but as friends to the
+Equal Rights of Man, we must be permitted to say, that we wish
+these Rights extended to every human being, be his complexion what
+it may. We, however, look forward with pleasing anticipation to a
+yet more perfect state of society; and, from that love of liberty
+which forms so distinguishing a trait in American character, are
+taught to hope that this last&mdash;this worse disgrace to a free
+government, will finally and forever be done away.</p>
+
+<p>While we look back on our native country with emotions of pity and
+indignation at the outrages which humanity has sustained in the
+persons of the virtuous Muir, and his patriotic associates; and
+deeply lament the fatal apathy into which our countrymen have
+fallen; we desire to be thankful to the Great Author of our being
+that we are in America, and that it has pleased Him, in his Wise
+Providence, to make the United States an asylum not only from the
+immedi<!-- Page 38 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>ate tyranny of the British Government, but also from those
+impending calamities, which its increasing despotism and
+multiplied iniquities, must infallibly bring down on a deluded and
+oppressed people.</p>
+
+<p>Accept, Sir, of our affectionate and best wishes for a long
+continuance of your health and happiness.</p></div>
+
+<p>The answer of the aged philosopher to this address was:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I think myself peculiarly happy in finding in this country so many
+persons of sentiments similar to my own, some of whom have
+probably left Great Britain or Ireland on the same account, and to
+be so cheerfully welcomed by them on my arrival. You have already
+had experience of the difference between the governments of the
+two countries, and I doubt not, have seen sufficient reason to
+give the decided preference that you do to that of this. There all
+liberty of speech and of the press as far as politics are
+concerned, is at an end, and a spirit of intolerance in matters of
+religion is almost as high as in the time of the<!-- Page 39 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> Stuarts. Here,
+having no countenance from government, whatever may remain of this
+spirit, from the ignorance and consequent bigotry, of former
+times, it may be expected soon to die away; and on all subjects
+whatever, every man enjoys invaluable liberty of speaking and
+writing whatever he pleases.</p>
+
+<p>The wisdom and happiness of Republican governments and the evils
+resulting from hereditary monarchical ones, cannot appear in a
+stronger light to you than they do to me. We need only look to the
+present state of Europe and of America, to be fully satisfied in
+this respect. The former will easily reform themselves, and among
+other improvements, I am persuaded, will be the removal of that
+vestige of servitude to which you allude, as it so ill accords
+with the spirit of equal liberty, from which the rest of the
+system has flowed; whereas no material reformation of the many
+abuses to which the latter are subject, it is to be feared, can be
+made without violence and confusion.</p>
+
+<p>I congratulate you, gentlemen, as you do me, on our arrival in a
+country in which men who wish well to their fellow citizens, and<!-- Page 40 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
+use their best endeavours to render them the most important
+services, men who are an honour to human nature and to any
+country, are in no danger of being treated like the worst felons,
+as is now the case in Great Britain.</p>
+
+<p>Happy should I think myself in joining with you in welcoming to
+this country every friend of liberty, who is exposed to danger
+from the tyranny of the British Government, and who, while they
+continue under it, must expect to share in those calamities, which
+its present infatuation must, sooner or later, bring upon it. But
+let us all join in supplications to the Great Parent of the
+Universe, that for the sake of the many excellent characters in
+our native country its government may be reformed, and the
+judgments impending over it prevented.</p></div>
+
+<p>The hearty reception accorded Dr. Priestley met in due course with a
+cruel attack upon him by William Cobbett, known under the pen-name of
+Peter Porcupine, an Englishman, who after arrival in this country
+enjoyed a rather prosperous life by formulating scurrilous
+literature&mdash;attacks upon men of prominence, stars shining brightly in
+the human firmament.<!-- Page 41 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>An old paper, the <i>Argus</i>, for the year 1796, said of this Peter
+Porcupine:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>When this political caterpillar was crawling about at St. John's,
+Nova Scotia, in support of his Britannic Majesty's glorious cause,
+against the United States, and holding the rank of serjeant major
+in the 54th regiment, then quartered in that land, "flowing with
+milk and honey," and GRINDSTONES, and commanded by Colonel Bruce;
+it was customary for some of the officers to hire out the soldiers
+to the country people, instead of keeping them to military duty,
+and to pocket the money themselves. Peter found he could make a
+<i>speck</i> out of this, and therefore kept a watchful eye over the
+sins of his superiors. When the regiment was recalled and had
+returned to England&mdash;Peter, brimful of amor patri&aelig;, was about to
+prefer a complaint against the officers, when they came down with
+a round sum of the ready rino, and a promise of his discharge, in
+case of secrecy.&mdash;This so staggered our incorruptible and
+independent hero and quill driver, that he agreed to the terms,
+received that very honorable discharge, mentioned with so<!-- Page 42 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> much
+emphasis, in the history of his important life&mdash;got cash enough to
+come to America, by circuitous route and to set himself up with
+the necessary implements of scandal and abuse.</p>
+
+<p>This flea, this spider, this corporal, has dared to point his
+impotent spleen at the memory of that illustrious patriot,
+statesman and philosopher, Benjamin Franklin.</p>
+
+<p>Let the buzzing insect reflect on this truth&mdash;that</p>
+
+<p>
+"Succeeding times great Franklin's works shall quote,<br />
+When 'tis forgot&mdash;this Peter ever wrote."<br />
+</p>
+
+
+</div>
+
+<p>And the <i>Advertiser</i> declared:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Peter Porcupine is one of those writers who attempt to deal in
+wit&mdash;and to bear down every Republican principle by satire&mdash;but he
+miserably fails in both, for his wit is as stale as his satire,
+and his satire as insipid as his wit. He attempts to ridicule Dr.
+Franklin, but can any man of sense conceive any poignancy in
+styling this great philosopher, "poor Richard," or "the old
+lightning rod." Franklin, whose researches in philosophy have
+placed him preeminent<!-- Page 43 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> among the first characters in this country,
+or in Europe: is it possible then that such a contemptible wretch
+as Peter Porcupine, (who never gave any specimen of his
+philosophy, but in bearing with Christian patience a severe
+whipping at the public post) can injure the exalted reputation of
+this great philosopher? The folly of the Editor of the Centinal,
+is the more conspicuous, in inserting his billingsgate abuse in a
+Boston paper, when this town, particularly the TRADESMAN of it are
+reaping such advantages from Franklin's liberality. The Editor of
+the Centinal ought to blush for his arrogance in vilifying this
+TRADESMEN'S FRIEND, by retailing the scurrility of so wretched a
+puppy as Peter Porcupine.</p>
+
+<p>As to Dr. Priestley, the Editor was obliged to apologise in this
+particular&mdash;but colours it over as the effusions of genius&mdash;poor
+apology, indeed to stain his columns with scurrility and abuse,
+and after finding the impression too notoriously infamous,
+attempts to qualify it, sycophantic parenthesis.</p>
+
+<p>The names of Franklin and Priestley will be enrolled in the
+catalogue of worthies, while<!-- Page 44 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> the wretched Peter Porcupine, and
+his more wretched supporters, will sink into oblivion, unless the
+register of Newgate should be published, and their memories be
+raked from the loathsome rubbish as spectres of universal
+destestation.</p></div>
+
+<p>And the London Monthly Review (August 10, 1796) commented as follows on
+Porcupine's animadversions upon Priestley:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Frequently as we have differed in opinion from Dr. Priestley, we
+should think it an act of injustice to his merit, not to say that
+the numerous and important services which he has rendered to
+science, and the unequivocal proofs which he has given of at least
+honest intention towards religion and Christianity ought to have
+protected him from such gross insults as are poured upon him in
+this pamphlet. Of the author's literary talent, we shall say but
+little: the phrases, "setting down to count the cost"&mdash;"the rights
+of the man the greatest bore in nature"&mdash;the appellation of
+rigmarole ramble, given to a correct sentence of Dr.
+Priestley&mdash;which the author attempts<!-- Page 45 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> to criticise&mdash;may serve as
+specimens of his language.</p>
+
+<p>The pitiful attempt at wit, in his vulgar fable of the pitcher
+haranguing the pans and jordans, will give him little credit as a
+writer, with readers of an elegant taste.&mdash;No censure, however,
+can be too severe for a writer who suffers the rancour of party
+spirit to carry him so far beyond the bounds of justice, truth and
+decency, as to speak of Dr. Priestley as an admirer of the
+massacres of France, and who would have wished to have seen the
+town of Birmingham like that of Lyons, razed, and all its
+industrious and loyal inhabitants butchered as a man whose conduct
+proves that he has either an understanding little superior to that
+of an idiot, or the heart of Marat: in short, as a man who fled
+into banishment covered with the universal destestation of his
+countrymen. The spirit, which could dictate such outrageous abuse,
+must disgrace any individual and any party.</p></div>
+
+<p>Even before Porcupine began his abuse of Priestley, there appeared
+efforts intended no doubt to arouse opposition to him and dislike for
+him. One such, apparently very innocent in its purpose,<!-- Page 46 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> appeared
+shortly after Priestley's settlement in Northumberland. It may be seen
+in <i>the Advertiser</i>, and reads thus:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The divinity of Jesus Christ proved in a publication to be sold by
+Francis Bayley in Market Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets, at
+the sign of the <i>Yorick's Head</i>&mdash;being a reply to Dr. Joseph
+Priestley's appeal to the serious and candid professors of
+Christianity.</p></div>
+
+<p>The New York addresses clearly indicated the generous sympathy of hosts
+of Americans for Priestley. They were not perfunctory, but genuinely
+genuine. This brought joy to the distinguished emigrant, and a sense of
+fellowship, accompanied by a feeling of security.</p>
+
+<p>More than a century has passed since these occurrences, and the reader
+of today is scarcely stirred by their declarations and appeals. Changes
+have come, in the past century, on both sides of the great ocean. Almost
+everywhere reigns the freedom so devoutly desired by the fathers of the
+long ago. It is so universal that it does not come as a first thought.
+Other changes, once constantly on men's minds have gradually been made.<!-- Page 47 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>How wonderful has been the development of New York since Priestley's
+brief sojourn in it. How marvelously science has grown in the great
+interim. What would Priestley say could he now pass up and down the
+famous avenues of our greatest City?</p>
+
+<p>His decision to live in America, his labors for science in this land,
+have had a share in the astounding unfolding of the dynamical
+possibilities of America's greatest municipality.</p>
+
+<p>The Priestleys were delighted with New York. They were frequent dinner
+guests of Governor Clinton, whom they liked very much and saw often, and
+they met with pleasure Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill, the Professor of
+Chemistry in Columbia.</p>
+
+<p>Amidst the endless fetes, attendant upon their arrival, there existed a
+desire to go forward. The entire family were eager to arrive at their
+real resting place&mdash;the home prepared by the sons who had preceded them
+to this Western world. Accordingly, on June 18, 1794, they left New
+York, after a fortnight's visit, and the <i>Advertiser</i> of Philadelphia,
+June 21, 1794, contained these lines:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Last Thursday evening arrived in town from New York the justly
+celebrated philosopher Dr. Joseph Priestley.</p></div><p><!-- Page 48 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Thus was heralded his presence in the City of his esteemed, honored
+friend, Franklin, who, alas! was then in the spirit land, and not able
+to greet him as he would have done had he still been a living force in
+the City of Brotherly Love. However, a very prompt welcome came from the
+American Philosophical Society, founded (1727) by the immortal savant,
+Franklin.</p>
+
+<p>The President of this venerable Society, the oldest scientific Society
+in the Western hemisphere, was the renowned astronomer, David
+Rittenhouse, who said for himself and his associates:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>THE American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia for
+promoting useful knowledge, offer you their sincere
+congratulations on your safe arrival in this country. Associated
+for the purposes of extending and disseminating those improvements
+in the sciences and the arts, which most conduce to substantial
+happiness of Man, the Society felicitate themselves and their
+country, that your talents and virtues, have been transferred to
+this Republic. Considering you as an illustrious member of this
+institution: Your colleagues anticipate your aid, in zealously
+promoting the<!-- Page 49 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> objects which unite them; as a virtuous man,
+possessing eminent and useful acquirements, they contemplate with
+pleasure the accession of such worth to the American Commonwealth,
+and looking forward to your future character of a citizen of this,
+your adopted country, they rejoice in greeting, as such, an
+enlightened Republican.</p>
+
+<p>In this free and happy country, those unalienable rights, which
+the Author of Nature committed to man as a sacred deposit, have
+been secured: Here, we have been enabled, under the favour of
+Divine Providence, to establish a government of Laws, and not of
+Men; a government, which secures to its citizens equal Rights, and
+equal Liberty, and which offers an asylum to the good, to the
+persecuted, and to the oppressed of other climes.</p>
+
+<p>May you long enjoy every blessing which an elevated and highly
+cultivated mind, a pure conscience, and a free country are capable
+of bestowing.</p></div>
+
+<p>And, in return, Priestley remarked.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>IT is with peculiar satisfaction that I receive the
+congratulations of my brethren of<!-- Page 50 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> the Philosophical Society in
+this City, on my arrival in this country. It is, in great part,
+for the sake of pursuing our common studies without molestation,
+though for the present you will allow, with far less advantage,
+that I left my native country, and have come to America; and a
+Society of Philosophers, who will have no objection to a person on
+account of his political or religious sentiments, will be as
+grateful, as it will be new to me. My past conduct, I hope, will
+show, that you may depend upon my zeal in promoting the valuable
+objects of your institution; but you must not flatter yourself, or
+me, with supposing, that, at my time of life, and with the
+inconvenience attending a new and uncertain settlement, I can be
+of much service to it.</p>
+
+<p>I am confident, however, from what I have already seen of the
+spirit of the people of this country, that it will soon appear
+that Republican governments, in which every obstruction is removed
+to the exertion of all kinds of talent, will be far more
+favourable to science, and the arts, than any monarchical
+government has ever been. The patronage to be met with there is
+ever capricious, and as often employed to bear down<!-- Page 51 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> merit as to
+promote it, having for its real object, not science or anything
+useful to mankind, but the mere reputation of the patron, who is
+seldom any judge of science. Whereas a Public which neither
+flatters nor is to be flattered will not fail in due time to
+distinguish true merit and to give every encouragement that it is
+proper to be given in the case. Besides by opening as you
+generously do an asylum to the persecuted and "oppressed of all
+climes," you will in addition to your own native stock, soon
+receive a large accession of every kind of merit, philosophical
+not excepted, whereby you will do yourselves great honour and
+secure the most permanent advantage to the community.</p></div>
+
+<p>Doubtless in the society of so many worthy Philadelphians, the
+Priestleys were happy, for they had corresponded with not a few of them.</p>
+
+<p>The longing for Northumberland became very great and one smiles on
+reading that the good Doctor thought "Philadelphia by no means so
+agreeable as New York ... Philadelphia would be very irksome to me....
+It is only a place for business and to get money in." But in this City
+he later spent much of his time.<!-- Page 52 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was about the middle of July, 1794, that the journey to
+Northumberland began, and on September 14<ins class="correction" title="original comma was after September">,</ins> 1794, Priestley wrote of
+Northumberland "nothing can be more delightful, or more healthy than
+this place."</p>
+
+<p>Safely lodged among those dear to him one finds much pleasure in
+observing the great philosopher's activities. The preparation of a home
+for himself and his wife and the unmarried members of the family was
+uppermost in his mind. But much time was given to correspondence with
+loyal friends in England. Chief among these were the Reverends Lindsey
+and Belsham. The letters to these gentlemen disclose the plans and
+musings of the exile. For instance, in a communication to the former,
+dated September 14, 1794, he wrote:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The professor of chemistry in the College of Philadelphia is
+supposed to be on his death-bed ... in the case of a vacancy, Dr.
+Rush thinks I shall be invited to succeed him. In this case I must
+reside four months in one year in Philadelphia, and one principal
+inducement with me to accept of it will be the opportunity I shall
+have of forming an Unitarian Congregation....</p></div><p><!-- Page 53 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And a month later he observed to the same friend:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Philadelphia is unpleasant, unhealthy, and intolerably
+expensive.... Every day I do something towards the continuation of
+my Church History.... I have never read so much Hebrew as I have
+since I left England....</p></div>
+
+<p>He visited freely in the vicinity of Northumberland, spending much time
+in the open. Davy, a traveler, made this note:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Dr. Priestley visited us at Sunbury, looks well and cheerful, has
+left off his perriwig, and combs his short grey locks, in the true
+style of the simplicity of the country.... Dined very pleasantly
+with him. He has bought a lot of eleven acres (exclusively of that
+which he is building on), which commands a delightful view of all
+the rivers, and both towns, i.e. Sunbury and Northumberland and
+the country. It cost him 100&pound; currency.</p></div>
+
+<p>It was also to Mr. Lindsey that he communicated, on November 12, 1794, a
+fact of no little<!-- Page 54 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> interest, even today, to teachers of Chemistry in
+America. It was:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I have just received an invitation to the professorship of
+chemistry at Philadelphia ... when I considered that I must pass
+four months of every year from home, my heart failed me; and I
+declined it. If my books and apparatus had been in Philadelphia, I
+might have acted differently, but part of them are now arrived
+here, and the remainder I expect in a few days, and the expense
+and risk of conveyance of such things from Philadelphia hither is
+so great, that I cannot think of taking them back ... and in a
+year or two, I doubt not, we shall have a college established
+here.</p></div>
+
+<p>It was about this time that his youngest son, Harry, in whom he
+particularly delighted, began clearing 300 acres of cheap land, and in
+this work the philosopher was greatly interested; indeed, on occasions
+he actually participated in the labor of removing the timber. Despite
+this manual labor there were still hours of every day given to the
+Church History, and to his correspondence which grew in volume, as he
+was advising inquiring English friends, who<!-- Page 55 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> thought of emigrating, and
+very generally to them he recommended the perusal of Dr. Thomas Cooper's</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Advice to those who would remove to America&mdash;"</p></div>
+
+<p>Through this correspondence, now and then, there appeared little
+animadversions on the quaint old town on the Delaware, such as</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I never saw a town I liked less than Philadelphia.</p></div>
+
+<p>Could this dislike have been due to the fact that&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Probably in no other place on the Continent was the love of bright
+colours and extravagance in dress carried to such an extreme.
+Large numbers of the Quakers yielded to it, and even the very
+strict ones carried gold-headed canes, gold snuff-boxes, and wore
+great silver buttons on their drab coats and handsome buckles on
+their shoes.</p></div>
+
+<p>And</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Nowhere were the women so resplendant in silks, satins, velvets,
+and brocades, and they piled up their hair mountains high.</p></div><p><!-- Page 56 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Furthermore&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The descriptions of the banquets and feasts ... are appalling.</p>
+
+<p>John Adams, when he first came down to Philadelphia, fresh from
+Boston, stood aghast at this life into which he was suddenly
+thrown and thought it must be sin. But he rose to the occasion,
+and, after describing in his diary some of the "mighty feasts" and
+"sinful feasts" ... says he drank Madeira "at a great rate and
+found no inconvenience."</p></div>
+
+<p>It would only be surmise to state what were the Doctor's reasons for his
+frequent declaration of dislike for Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>The winter of 1794-1795 proved much colder "than ever I knew it in
+England," but he cheerfully requested Samuel Parker to send him a
+hygrometer, shades or bell-glasses, jars for electrical batteries, and</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>a set of glass tubes with large bulbs at the end, such as I used
+in the experiments I last published on the generation of <i>Air</i>
+from water.</p></div><p><!-- Page 57 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Most refreshing is this demand upon a friend. It indicates the keen
+desire in Priestley to proceed with experimental studies, though
+surroundings and provisions for such undertakings were quite
+unsatisfactory. The spirit was there and very determined was its
+possessor that his science pursuits should not be laid totally aside.
+His attitude and course in this particular were admirable and exemplary.
+Too often the lack of an abundance of equipment and the absence of many
+of the supposed essentials, have been deterrents which have caused men
+to abandon completely their scientific investigations. However, such was
+not the case with the distinguished exile, and for this he deserved all
+praise.</p>
+
+<p>From time to time, in old papers and books of travel, brief notes
+concerning Priestley appear. These exhibit in a beautiful manner the
+human side of the man. They cause one to wish that the privilege of
+knowing this worthy student of chemical science might have been enjoyed
+by him. For example, a Mr. Bakewell chanced upon him in the spring of
+1795 and recorded:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I found him (Priestley) a man rather below the middle size,
+straight and plain, wearing his own hair; and in his countenance,
+though you might discern the philosopher,<!-- Page 58 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> yet it beamed with so
+much simplicity and freedom as made him very easy of access.</p></div>
+
+<p>It is also stated in Davy's "Journal of Voyage, etc."&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The doctor enjoys a game at whist; and although he never hazards a
+farthing, is highly diverted with playing good cards, but never
+ruffled by bad ones.</p></div>
+
+<p>In May, 1795, Priestley expressed himself as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>As to the experiments, I find I cannot do much till I get my own
+house built. At present I have all my books and instruments in one
+room, in the house of my son.</p></div>
+
+<p>This is the first time in all his correspondence that reference is made
+to experimental work. It was in 1795. As a matter of course every
+American chemist is interested to know when he began experimentation in
+this country.</p>
+
+<p>In the absence of proper laboratory space and the requisite apparatus,
+it is not surprising that he thought much and wrote extensively on
+religious topics, and further he would throw himself into<!-- Page 59 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> political
+problems, for he addressed Mr. Adams on restriction "in the
+naturalization of foreigners." He remarked that&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Party strife is pretty high in this country, but the Constitution
+is such that it cannot do any harm.</p></div>
+
+<p>To friends, probably reminding him of being "unactive, which affects me
+much," he answered:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>As to the chemical lectureship (in Philadelphia) I am convinced I
+could not have acquitted myself in it to proper advantage. I had
+no difficulty in giving a general course of chemistry at Hackney
+(England), lecturing only once a week; but to give a lecture every
+day for four months, and to enter so particularly into the subject
+as a course of lectures in a medical University (Pennsylvania)
+requires, I was not prepared for; and my engagements there would
+not, at my time of life, have permitted me to make the necessary
+preparations for it; if I could have done it at all. For, though I
+have made discoveries in some branches of chemistry, I never gave
+much attention to the common routine of<!-- Page 60 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> it, and know but little
+of the common processes.</p></div>
+
+<p>Is not this a refreshing confession from the celebrated discoverer of
+oxygen? The casual reader would not credit such a statement from one who
+August 1, 1774, introduced to the civilized world so important an
+element as oxygen. Because he did not know the "common processes" of
+chemistry and had not concerned himself with the "common routine" of it,
+led to his blazing the way among chemical compounds in his own fashion.
+Many times since the days of Priestley real researchers after truth have
+proceeded without compass and uncovered most astonishing and remarkable
+results. They had the genuine research spirit and were driven forward by
+it. Priestley knew little of the labyrinth of analysis and cared less;
+indeed, he possessed little beyond an insatiable desire to unfold
+Nature's secrets.</p>
+
+<p>Admiration for Priestley increases on hearing him descant on the people
+about him&mdash;on the natives&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Here every house-keeper has a garden, out of which he raises
+almost all he wants for his family. They all have cows, and many
+have horses, the keeping of which costs<!-- Page 61 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> them little or nothing in
+the summer, for they ramble with bells on their necks in the
+woods, and come home at night. Almost all the <ins class="correction" title="original: 'flesh'">fresh</ins> meat they have
+is salted in the autumn, and a fish called <i>shads</i> in the spring.
+This salt shad they eat at breakfast, with their tea and coffee,
+and also at night. We, however, have not yet laid aside our
+English customs, and having made great exertion to get fresh meat,
+it will soon come into general use.</p></div>
+
+<p>Proudly must he have said&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>My youngest son, Harry, works as hard as any farmer in the country
+and is as attentive to his farm, though he is only eighteen....
+Two or three hours I always work in the fields along with my
+son....</p></div>
+
+<p>And, then as a supplement, for it was resting heavily on his mind, he
+added&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>What I chiefly attend to now is my Church History ... but I make
+some experiments every day (July 12, 1795), and shall soon draw up
+a paper for the Philosophical Society at Philadelphia.</p></div><p><!-- Page 62 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Early in December of 1795 he entrusted a paper, intended for the
+American Philosophical Society to the keeping of Dr. Young, a gentleman
+from Northumberland en route for Europe. Acquainting his friend Lindsey
+of this fact, he took occasion to add&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I have much more to do in my laboratory, but I am under the
+necessity of shutting up for the winter, as the frost will make it
+impossible to keep my water fit for use, without such provision as
+I cannot make, till I get my own laboratory prepared on purpose,
+when I hope to be able to work alike, winter and summer.</p></div>
+
+<p>Dr. Young carried two papers to Philadelphia. The first article treated
+of "Experiments and Observations relating to the Analysis of
+Atmospherical Air," and the second "Further Experiments relating to the
+Generation of Air from Water." They filled 20 quarto pages of Volume 4
+of the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society. On reading
+them the thought lingers that these are the first contributions of the
+eminent philosopher from his American home. Hence, without reference to
+their value, they are precious.<!-- Page 63 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> They represent the results of inquiries
+performed under unusual surroundings. It is very probable that
+Priestley's English correspondents desired him to concentrate his
+efforts upon experimental science. They were indeed pleased to be
+informed of his Church History, and his vital interest in religion, but
+they cherished the hope that science would in largest measure displace
+these literary endeavors. Priestley himself never admitted this, but
+must have penetrated their designs, and, recognizing the point of their
+urging, worked at much disadvantage to get the results presented in
+these two pioneer studies. Present day students would grow impatient in
+their perusal, because of the persistent emphasis placed on phlogiston,
+dephlogisticated air, phlogisticated air, and so forth. In the very
+first paper, the opening lines show this:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It is an essential part of the antiphlogistic theory, that in all
+the cases of what I have called <i>phlogistication</i> of <i>air</i>, there
+is simply an absorption of the dephlogisticated air, or, as the
+advocates of that theory term it, the oxygen contained in it,
+leaving the <i>phlogisticated</i> part, which they call <i>azote</i>, as it
+originally existed in the atmosphere. Also, according to this
+system, <i>azote</i> is a simple<!-- Page 64 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> substance, at least not hitherto
+analyzed into any other.</p></div>
+
+<p>No matter how deeply one venerates Priestley, or how great honor is
+ascribed to him, the question continues why the simpler French view was
+not adopted by this honest student. Further, as an ardent admirer one
+asks why should Priestley pen the next sentence:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>They, therefore, suppose that there is a determinate proportion
+between the quantities of oxygen, and azote in every portion of
+atmospherical air, and that all that has hitherto been done has
+been to separate them from one another. This proportion they state
+to be 27 parts of oxygen and 73 parts of azote, in 100 of
+atmospherical air.</p></div>
+
+<p>Priestley knew that there was a "determinate proportion." He was not,
+however, influenced by quantitative data.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Oliver Lodge said<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Priestley's experiments were admirable, but his perception of
+their theoretical relations <!-- Page 65 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>was entirely inadequate and, as we
+now think, quite erroneous.... In theory he had no instinct for
+guessing right ... he may almost be said to have had a
+predilection for the wrong end.</p></div>
+
+<p>At present the French thought is so evident that it seems
+incomprehensible that Priestley failed to grasp it, for he continues&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>In every case of the diminution of atmospherical air in which this
+is the result, there appears to me to be something emitted from
+the substance, which the antiphlogistians suppose to act by simple
+absorption, and therefore that it is more probable that there is
+some substance, and the same that has been called <i><ins class="correction" title="sic; presumably phlogiston">philogiston</ins></i>,
+or the <i>principle of inflammability</i> ... emitted, and that this
+phlogiston uniting with part of the dephlogisticated air forms
+with it part of the phlogisticated air, which is found after the
+process.</p></div>
+
+<p>Subsequently (1798), he advised the Society that he had executed other
+experiments which corroborated those outlined in his first two papers,
+adding<!-- Page 66 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Had the publication of your <i>Transactions</i> been more frequent, I
+should with much pleasure have submitted to the Society a full
+account of these and other experiments which appear to me to
+prove, that metals are compound substances, and that water has not
+yet been decomposed by any process that we are acquainted with.
+Still, however, I would not be very positive, as the contrary is
+maintained by almost all the chemists of the age....</p></div>
+
+<p>And thus he proceeds, ever doing interesting things, but blind to the
+patent results because he had phlogiston constantly before him. He
+looked everywhere for it, followed it blindly, and consequently
+overlooked the facts regarded as most significant by his opponents,
+which in the end led them to correct conclusions.</p>
+
+<p>The experimental results in the second paper also admit of an
+interpretation quite the opposite of that deduced by Priestley. He
+confidently maintained that air was invariably generated from water,
+because he discovered it and liberated it from water which he was
+certain did not contain it in solution. He was conscientious in his
+inferences. Deeply did his friends deplore his<!-- Page 67 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> inability to see more
+than a single interpretation of his results!</p>
+
+<p>The papers were read before the American Philosophical Society on the
+19th of February, 1796. Their author as they appear in print, is the
+Rev. Dr. J. Priestley. It is doubtful whether he affixed this signature.
+More probable is it that the Secretary of the Society was responsible,
+and, because he thought of Priestley in the r&ocirc;le of a Reverend gentleman
+rather than as a scientific investigator.</p>
+
+<p>Here, perhaps, it may be mentioned that the first, the very first
+communication from Priestley's pen to the venerable Philosophical
+Society, was read in 1784. It was presented by a friend&mdash;a Mr. W.
+Vaughan, whose family in England were always the staunchest of
+Priestley's supporters. And it is not too much to assume that it was the
+same influence which one year later (1785) brought about Priestley's
+election to membership in the Society, for he was one of "28 new
+members" chosen in January of that year.</p>
+
+<p>There are evidences of marked friendliness to Priestley all about the
+Hall of the Society, for example his profile in Plaster of Paris,
+"particularly valuable for the resemblance" to the Doctor, which was
+presented in 1791; a second "profile in black leather" given by Robert
+Patterson,<!-- Page 68 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> a President of the Society, and an oil portrait of him from
+Mrs. Dr. Caspar Wistar.</p>
+
+<p>His appearance in person, when for the first time he sat among his
+colleagues of the Society, was on the evening of February 19, 1796&mdash;the
+night upon which the two papers, commented upon in the last few
+paragraphs were presented, although he probably did not read them
+himself, this being done by a friend or by the secretary. Sixteen
+members were present. Among these were some whose names have become
+familiar elsewhere, such as Barton, Woodhouse and others. Today, the
+presence in the same old Hall of a renowned scientist, from beyond the
+seas, would literally attract crowds. Then it was not the fashion. But
+probably he had come unannounced and unheralded. Further, he was
+speaking at other hours on other topics in the city.</p>
+
+<p>It is not recorded that he spoke before the philosophers. Perhaps he
+quietly absorbed their remarks and studied them, although he no doubt
+was agreeably aroused when Mr. Peale presented</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>to the Society a young son of four months and four days old, being
+the first child born in the Philosophical Hall, and requested that
+the Society would give him a name. On which the Society
+unanimously<!-- Page 69 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> agreed that, after the name of the chief founder and
+late President of the Society, he should be called Franklin.</p></div>
+
+<p>In anticipation of any later allusion to Priestley's sojourn in
+Philadelphia be it observed that he attended meetings of the American
+Philosophical Society three times in 1796, twice in 1797, three times in
+1801 and once in 1803, and that on February 3rd, 1797, he was chosen to
+deliver the annual oration before the Society, but the Committee
+reported that</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>they waited on Dr. Priestley last Monday afternoon, who received
+the information with great politeness, but declined accepting of
+the appointment.</p></div>
+
+<p>This lengthy digression must now be interrupted. It has gone almost too
+far, yet it was necessary in order that an account of the early
+experimental contributions of the exile might be introduced
+chronologically. As already remarked, Americans are most deeply
+interested in everything Priestley did during his life in this country
+and particularly in his scientific activities.</p>
+
+<p>On resuming the story of the routine at Northumberland in the closing
+months of the year<!-- Page 70 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> 1795, there comes the cry from an agonized heart,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>We have lost poor Harry!</p></div>
+
+<p>This was the message to a Philadelphia resident&mdash;a friend from old
+England. The loss, for such it emphatically was, affected the Doctor and
+Mrs. Priestley very deeply. This particular son was a pride to them and
+though only eighteen years old had conducted his farm as if he had been
+bred a farmer.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>He was uncommonly beloved by all that worked under him.</p></div>
+
+<p>His home was just outside of the borough of Northumberland. It was the
+gift of his father. His interment in "a plot of ground" belonging to the
+Society of Friends is thus described by Mr Bakewell:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I attended the funeral to the lonely spot, and there I saw the
+good old father perform the service over the grave of his son. It
+was an affecting sight, but he went through it with fortitude, and
+after praying, addressed the attendants in a few words,<!-- Page 71 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> assuring
+them that though death had separated them here, they should meet
+again in another and a better life.</p></div>
+
+<p>The correspondence to friends in England was replete with accounts of
+lectures which were in process of preparation. They were discourses on
+the Evidences of Revelation and their author was most desirous of
+getting to Philadelphia that he might there deliver them. At that time
+this City was full of atheism and agnosticism. Then, too, the hope of
+establishing a Unitarian Church was ever in Priestley's thoughts. How
+delightful it is to read, February 12th, 1796&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I am now on my way to Philadelphia.</p></div>
+
+<p>When he left it in 1794 he was rather critical of it, but now after
+three days he arrived there. It was</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>a very good journey, accompanied by my daughter-in-law, in my
+son's Yarmouth waggon, which by means of a seat constructed of
+straw, was very easy.</p></div>
+
+<p>Yes, back again to the City which was the only city in this country ever
+visited by him. Although at times he considered going to New York,<!-- Page 72 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> and
+even to Boston, Philadelphia was to become his Mecca. In it he was to
+meet the most congenial scientific spirits, and to the younger of these
+he was destined to impart a new inspiration for science, and for
+chemical science in particular. At the close of the three days' journey
+he wrote&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I am a guest with Mr. Russell.... We found him engaged to drink
+tea with President Washington, where we accompanied him and spent
+two hours as in any private family. He (Washington) invited me to
+come at any time, without ceremony. Everything is the reverse of
+what it is with you.</p></div>
+
+<p>This was his first meeting with Washington. The spirit of the occasion
+impressed him. The democratic behavior of the great Federalist must have
+astonished him, if he ever entertained, as Lord Brougham would have us
+believe, a hostile opinion and thought him ungrateful because he would
+not consent to make America dependent upon France.</p>
+
+<p>Priestley's eagerness to preach was intense, and happy must he have been
+on the day following his arrival, when his heart's wish was gratified.
+He preached in the church of Mr. Winchester<!-- Page 73 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>to a very numerous, respectable, and very attentive audience.</p></div>
+
+<p>Many were members of Congress, and according to one witness&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Congregation that attended were so numerous that the house
+could not contain them, so that as many were obliged to stand as
+sit, and even the doorways were crowded with people. Mr.
+Vice-President Adams was among the regular attendants.</p></div>
+
+<p>All this greatly encouraged the Doctor. His expectations for the
+establishment of a Unitarian congregation were most encouraging. He
+declared himself ready to officiate every winter without salary if he
+could lodge somewhere with a friend. The regular and punctual attendance
+of Mr. Adams pleased him so much that he resolved on printing his
+sermons, for they were in great demand, and to dedicate the same to the
+Vice-President. He was also gratified to note that the "violent
+prejudice" to him was gradually being overcome. Today we smile on
+recalling the reception accorded the good Doctor in his early days in
+Philadelphia. We smile and yet our hearts fail to understand just why he
+should<!-- Page 74 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> have been so ostracised. To confirm this it may be noted that on
+one occasion Priestley preached in a Presbyterian Chapel, very probably
+in Northumberland, when one of the ministers was so displeased&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>that he declared if they permitted him any more, he would never
+enter the <ins class="correction" title="sic">puplit</ins> again.</p></div>
+
+<p>And in 1794 on coming the first time to Philadelphia he wrote</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>There is much jealousy and dread of me.</p></div>
+
+<p>How shameful and yet it was most real. Bakewell narrates that</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"I went several times to the Baptist meeting in Second Street,
+under the care of Dr. Rogers. This man burst out, and bade the
+people beware, for 'a Priestley had entered the land;' and then,
+crouching down in a worshiping attitude, exclaimed, 'Oh, Lamb of
+God! how would they pluck thee from thy throne!'"</p></div>
+
+<p>The public prints flayed Rogers, and even the staid old Philosophical
+Society indicated to him<!-- Page 75 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> that such conduct ill became a member of that
+august body. Accordingly humiliated he repented his error and in time
+became strongly attached to Priestley, concerning whom he told this
+story to a Mr. Taylor whose language is here given:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Doctor (Priestley) would occasionally call on Dr. Rogers, and
+without any formal invitation, pass an evening at his house. One
+afternoon he was there when Dr. Rogers was not at home, having
+been assured by Mrs. Rogers that her husband would soon be there.
+Meanwhile, Mr.&nbsp;&mdash;&mdash;, a Baptist minister, called on Dr. Rogers, and
+being a person of rough manners, Mrs. Rogers was a good deal
+concerned lest he should say something disrespectful to Dr.
+Priestley in case she introduced the Doctor to him. At last,
+however, she ventured to announce Dr. Priestley's name, who put
+out his hand; but instead of taking it the other immediately drew
+himself back, saying, as if astonished to meet with Dr. Priestley
+in the home of one of his brethren, and afraid of being
+contaminated by having any social intercourse with him, 'Dr.
+Priestley! I can't be cordial.'<!-- Page 76 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It is easy to imagine that by this speech Mrs. Rogers was greatly
+embarrassed. Dr. Priestley, observing this, instantly relieved her
+by saying, and with all that benevolent expression of countenance
+and pleasantness of manner for which he was remarkable, 'Well,
+well, Madam, you and I can be cordial; and Dr. Rogers will soon be
+with us, Mr.&nbsp;&mdash;&mdash; and he can converse together, so that we shall
+all be very comfortable.' Thus encouraged, Mrs. Rogers asked Dr.
+Priestley some questions relative to the Scripture prophecies, to
+which he made suitable replies; and before Dr. Rogers arrived, Mr.&nbsp;&mdash;&mdash;
+was listening with much attention, sometimes making a remark
+or putting in a question. The evening was passed in the greatest
+harmony, with no inclination on the part of Mr.&nbsp;&mdash;&mdash; to terminate
+the conversation. At last Dr. Priestley, pulling out his watch,
+informed Mr.&nbsp;&mdash;&mdash; that as it was <i>ten</i> o'clock it was time that two
+old men like them were at their quarters. The other at first was
+not willing to believe that Dr. Priestley's watch was accurate;
+but finding that it was correct, he took his leave with apparent
+regret, observing that he had never spent a shorter and more<!-- Page 77 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
+pleasant evening. He then went away, Dr. Priestley accompanying
+him, until it became <ins class="correction" title="sic; presumably 'necessary'">necesary</ins> to separate. Next morning he called
+on his friend, Dr. Rogers, when he made the following frank and
+manly declaration: 'You and I well know that Dr. Priestley is
+quite wrong in regard to his theology, but notwithstanding this,
+he is a great and good man, and I behaved to him at our first
+coming together like a fool and a brute.'</p></div>
+
+<p>Many additional evidences might be introduced showing that the Doctor
+was slowly winning his way among the people. It must also be remembered
+that not all of his associates were of the clerical group but that he
+had hosts of scientists as sincere and warm supporters. In Woodhouse's
+laboratory he was ever welcome and there must have met many congenial
+spirits who never discussed politics or religion. This was after the
+manner of the Lunar Society in Birmingham in which representatives of
+almost every creed came together to think of scientific matters. Hence,
+it is quite probable that Priestley's visit to Philadelphia was on the
+whole full of pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>He was also in habits of close intimacy with Dr. Ewing, Provost of the
+University of Pennsyl<!-- Page 78 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>vania, and with the Vice-Provost, Dr. John
+Andrews, as well as with Dr. Benjamin Rush who had long been his friend
+and with whom he corresponded at frequent intervals after his arrival in
+America. To him Priestley had confided his hope of getting a college in
+Northumberland and inquired,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Would the State give any encouragement to it?</p></div>
+
+<p>To Rush he also wrote excusing</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>my weakness (for such you will consider it) when, after giving you
+reason to expect that I would accept the professorship of
+Chemistry, if it was offered to me, I now inform you that I must
+decline it.</p></div>
+
+<p>Now and then he also advised him of such experiments as he was able to
+do; for example&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I made trial of the air of Northumberland by the test of nitrous
+air, but found it not sensibly different from that of England.</p></div>
+
+<p>In the leisure he enjoyed his figure was often seen in Congress. He
+relished the debates which at the time were on the Treaty with England.
+He<!-- Page 79 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> declared he heard as good speaking there as in the House of Commons.
+He observed&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A Mr. Amos speaks as well as Mr. Burke; but in general the
+speakers are more argumentative, and less rhetorical. And whereas
+there are with you not more than ten or a dozen tolerable
+speakers, here every member is capable of speaking.</p></div>
+
+<p>While none of the letters to Priestley's friends mention a family event
+of some importance the <i>American Advertiser</i>, February 13, 1796,
+announced that</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Mr. William Priestley, second son of the celebrated Dr. Joseph
+Priestley, was married to the agreeable Miss Peggy Foulke, a young
+lady possessed with every quality to render the marriage state
+happy.</p></div>
+
+<p>This occurred very probably just before the Doctor set forth from
+Northumberland to make his first Philadelphia visit. It is singular that
+little is said of the son William by the Doctor. Could it be that, in
+some way, he may have offended his parent? In his <i>Memorial</i> Rush,
+writing in the month of March, 1796, noted:<!-- Page 80 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Saw Dr. Priestley often this month. Attended him in a severe
+pleurisy. He once in his sickness spoke of his second son,
+William, and wept very much.</p></div>
+
+<p>Busy as he was in spreading his religious tenets, in fraternizing with
+congenial scientific friends, his thoughts would involuntarily turn back
+to England:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Here, though I am as happy as this country can make me ... I do
+not feel as I did in England.</p></div>
+
+<p>By May, 1796, he had finished his discourses, although he proposed
+concluding with one emphatically Unitarian in character. This was
+expected by his audience, which had been quietly prepared for it and
+received it with open minds and much approval.</p>
+
+<p>On his return to Northumberland he promptly resumed his work on the
+"Church History," but was much disturbed because of the failure of his
+correspondents in writing him regularly, so he became particularly
+active in addressing them. But better still he punctuated his
+composition of sermons, the gradual unfolding of his Church History, and
+religious and literary studies in gene<!-- Page 81 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>ral, with experimental
+diversions, <ins class="correction" title="original: 'begining'">beginning</ins> with the publication (1796) of an octavo brochure
+of 39 pages from the press of Dobson in Philadelphia, in which he
+addressed himself more especially to Berthollet, de la Place, Monge,
+Morveau, Fourcroy and others on "Considerations on the Doctrine of
+Phlogiston and the Decomposition of Water." It is the old story in a
+newer dress. Its purpose was to bring home to Americans afresh his
+particular ideas. The reviewer of the <i>Medical Repository</i> staff was
+evidently impressed by it, for he said:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It must give pleasure to every philosophical mind to find the
+United States becoming the theatre of such interesting discussion,</p></div>
+
+<p>and then adds that the evidence which was weighty enough to turn such
+men as Black and others from the phlogiston idea to that of Lavoisier&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>has never yet appeared to Dr. Priestley considerable enough to
+influence his judgment, or gain his assent.</p></div>
+
+<p>Priestley, as frequently observed, entertained grave doubts in regard to
+the constitution of metals. He thought they were "compounded"<!-- Page 82 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> of a
+certain earth, or calx, and phlogiston. Further he believed that when
+the phlogiston flew away, "the splendour, malleability, and ductility"
+of the metal disappeared with it, leaving behind a calx. Again, he
+contended that when metals dissolved in acids the liberated "inflammable
+air" (hydrogen) did not come from the 'decompounded water' but from the
+phlogiston emitted by the metal.</p>
+
+<p>Also, on the matter of the composition and decomposition of water, he
+held very opposite ideas. The French School maintained "that hydrogenous
+and oxygenous airs, incorporated by drawing through them the electrical
+spark turn to <i>water</i>," but Priestley contended that "they combine into
+<i>smoking nitrous acid</i>." And thus the discussion proceeded, to be
+answered most intelligently, in 1797, by Adet,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> whose arguments are
+familiar to all chemists and need not therefore be here repeated. Of
+more interest was the publication of two lectures on Combustion by
+Maclean of Princeton. They filled a pamphlet of 71 pages. It appeared in
+1797, and was, in brief, a refutation of Priestley's presentations, and
+was heartily welcomed as evidence of the "growing taste in America for
+this kind of inquiry." Among other things <!-- Page 83 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>Maclean said of the various
+ideas regarding combustion&mdash;"Becker's is incomplete, Stahl's though
+ingenious, is defective; the antiphlogistic is simple, consistent and
+sufficient, while Priestley's resembling Stahl's but in name, is
+complicated, contradictory and inadequate."</p>
+
+<p>Not all American chemists were ready to side track the explanations of
+Priestley. The distinguished Dr. Mitchill wrote Priestley on what he
+designated "an attempt to accommodate the Disputes among Chemists
+concerning Phlogiston." This was in November, 1797. It is an ingenious
+effort which elicited from Priestley (1798) his sincere thanks, and the
+expressed fear that his labours "will be in vain." And so it proved.
+Present day chemists would acquiesce in this statement after reading
+Mitchill's "middle-of-the-road" arguments. They were not satisfactory to
+Maclean and irritated Priestley.</p>
+
+<p>In June 1798 a second letter was written by Priestley to Mitchill. In it
+he emphasized the substitution of zinc for "finery cinder." From it he
+contended inflammable air could be easily procured, and laid great
+stress on the fact that the "inflammable air" came from the metal and
+not from the water. He wondered why Berthollet and Maclean had not
+answered his first article. To this, a few days later, Mitchill replied
+that he<!-- Page 84 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> felt there was confusion in terms and that the language
+employed by the various writers had introduced that confusion; then for
+philological reasons and to clarify thoughts Mitchill proposed to strike
+out <i>azote</i> from the nomenclature of the day and take <i>septon</i> in its
+place; he also wished to expunge hydrogene and substitute phlogiston. He
+admitted that Priestley's experiments on zinc were difficult to explain
+by the antiphlogistic doctrine, adding&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It would give me great satisfaction that we could settle the
+points of variance on this subject; though, even as it is, I am
+flattered by your (Priestley's) allowing my attempt 'to reconcile
+the two theories to be ingenious, plausible and well-meant....
+Your idea of carrying on a philosophical discussion in an amicable
+manner is charming'....</p></div>
+
+<p>But the peace-maker was handling a delicate problem. He recognized this,
+but desired that the pioneer studies, then in progress might escape
+harsh polemics. This was difficult of realization for less than a month
+later fuel was added to the fire by Maclean, when in writing Mitchill,
+who had sent him Priestley's printed letter, he emphatically declared
+that<!-- Page 85 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The experiment with the zinc does not seem to be of more
+consequence than that with the iron and admits of an easy
+explanation on antiphlogistic principles.</p></div>
+
+<p>And he further insisted that the experiments of Priestley proved water
+to be composed "of hydrogene and oxygene."</p>
+
+<p>Four days later (July 20, 1798) Priestley wrote Mitchill that he had
+replaced zinc by red precipitate and did not get water on decomposing
+inflammable air with the precipitate. Again, August 23, 1798, he related
+to Mitchill</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>that the modern doctrine of water consisting of <i>oxygene</i> and
+<i>hydrogene</i> is not well founded ... water is the basis of all
+kinds of air, and without it no kind of air can be produced ...
+not withstanding the great use that the French chemists make of
+scales and weights, they do not pretend to weigh either their
+<i>calorique</i> or <i>light</i>; and why may not <i>phlogiston</i> escape their
+researches, when they employ the same instruments in that
+investigation?</p></div>
+
+<p>There were in all eight letters sent by Priestley to Mitchill. They
+continued until February,<!-- Page 86 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> 1799. Their one subject was phlogiston and
+its r&ocirc;le in very simple chemical operations. The observations were the
+consequence</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>of original and recent experiments, to which I have given a good
+part of the leisure of the last summer; and I do not propose to do
+more on the subject till I hear from the great authors of the
+theory that I combat in America;</p></div>
+
+<p>but adds,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I am glad ... to find several advocates of the system in this
+country, and some of them, I am confident, will do themselves
+honour by their candour, as well as by their ability.</p></div>
+
+<p>This very probably was said as a consequence of the spirited reply James
+Woodhouse<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> made to the papers of Maclean. As known, Woodhouse worked
+unceasingly to overthrow the doctrine of phlogiston, but was evidently
+irritated by Maclean, whom he reminds&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>You are not yet, Doctor, the conqueror of this veteran in
+Philosophy.</p></div>
+<p><!-- Page 87 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p>This was a singularly magnanimous speech on Woodhouse's part, for he had
+been hurling sledgehammer blows without rest at the structure
+Priestley thought he had reared about phlogiston and which, he believed,
+most unassailable, so when in 1799 (July) Priestley began his reply to
+his "Antiphlogistian opponents" he took occasion to remark:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I am happy to find in Dr. Woodhouse one who is equally ingenious
+and candid; so that I do not think the cause he has undertaken
+will soon find a more able champion, and I do not regret the
+absence of M. Berthollet in Egypt.</p></div>
+
+<p>Noble words these for his young adversary who, in consequence of
+strenuous laboratory work, had acquired a deep respect and admiration
+for Priestley's achievements, though he considered he had gone far
+astray.</p>
+
+<p>The various new, confirmatory ideas put forth by Priestley need not be
+here enumerated. They served their day.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Mitchill evidently enjoyed this controversial chemical material, for
+he wrote that he hoped the readers of the <i>Medical Repository</i>, in which
+the several papers appeared, would<!-- Page 88 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>participate the pleasure we feel on taking a retrospect of our
+pages, and finding the United States the theatre of so much
+scientific disquisition.</p></div>
+
+<p>And yet, when in 1800, a pamphlet of 90 pages bearing the title "The
+Doctrine of Phlogiston established, etc." appeared there was
+consternation in the ranks of American chemists. Woodhouse was aroused.
+He absolutely refuted every point in it experimentally, and Dr. Mitchill
+avowed&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>We decline entering into a minute examination of his experiments,
+as few of his recitals of them are free from the <i>triune</i> mystery
+of phlogiston, which exceeds the utmost stretch of our faith; for
+according to it, <i>carbon is phlogiston</i>, and <i>hydrogen is
+phlogiston</i>, and <i>azote is phlogiston</i>; and yet there are not
+<i>three</i> phlogistons, but <i>one</i> phlogiston!</p></div>
+
+<p>It was imperative to submit the preceding paragraphs on chemical topics,
+notwithstanding they have, in a manner, interrupted the chronological
+arrangement of the activities of the Doctor in his home life. They were,
+it is true, a part of that life&mdash;a part that every chemist will note
+with<!-- Page 89 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> interest and pleasure. They mean that he was not indifferent to
+chemistry, and that it is not to be supposed that he ever could be,
+especially as his visits to Philadelphia brought to his attention
+problems which he would never suffer to go unanswered or unsolved
+because of his interest in so many other things quite foreign to them.
+However, a backward look may be taken before resuming the story of his
+experimental studies.</p>
+
+<p>It has already been said that the non-appearance of letters caused him
+anxiety. For instance he wrote Lindsey, July 28, 1796&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It is now four months since I have received any letter from you,
+and it gives me most serious concern.</p></div>
+
+<p>But finally the longed-for epistle arrived and he became content,
+rejoicing in being able to return the news&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I do not know that I have more satisfaction from anything I ever
+did, than from the lay Unitarian congregation I have been the
+means of establishing in Philadelphia.</p></div>
+
+<p>For the use of this group of worshipers he had engaged the Common Hall
+in the College (University of Pennsylvania).<!-- Page 90 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But amidst this unceasing activity of body and mind&mdash;very evidently
+extremely happy in his surroundings&mdash;he was again crushed to earth by
+the death of his noble wife&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Always caring for others and never for herself.</p></div>
+
+<p>This occurred nine months after the departure of Harry. It was a fearful
+blow. For more than thirty-four years they had lived most happily
+together. The following tribute, full of deep feeling and esteem attests
+this&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>My wife being a woman of an excellent understanding much improved
+by reading, of great fortitude and strength of mind, and of a
+temper in the highest degree affectionate and generous.... Also
+excelling in everything relating to household affairs, she
+entirely relieved me of all concern of that kind, which allowed me
+to give all my time to the prosecution of my studies.</p></div>
+
+<p>She was not only a true helpmate&mdash;courageous and devoted&mdash;but certainly
+most desirous that the husband in whom she absolutely believed should
+have nothing to interrupt or arrest the pur<!-- Page 91 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>suits dear to him and in
+which she herself must have taken great but quiet pride, for she was
+extremely intelligent and original. Madam Belloc has mentioned</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It is a tradition in the family that Mrs. Priestley once sent her
+famous husband to market with a large basket and that he so
+acquitted himself that she never sent him again!</p></div>
+
+<p>The new house, partly planned by her, at the moment well advanced and to
+her fancy, was not to be her home for which she had fondly dreamed.</p>
+
+<p>Priestley was deeply depressed but his habitual submission carried him
+through, although all this is pathetically concealed in his letters.</p>
+
+<p>There were rumours flitting about that Priestley purposed returning to
+England. That his friends might be apprised of his real intentions the
+following letter was permitted to find its way into the newspapers:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date"><p>
+Northumberland Oct. 4,<br />
+1796</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>My dear Sir,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Every account I have from England makes me think myself happy in
+<!-- Page 92 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>this peaceful retirement, where I enjoy almost everything I can
+wish in this life, and where I hope to close it, though I find it
+is reported, both here and in England that I am about to return.
+The two heavy afflictions I have met with here, in the death of a
+son, and of my wife, rather serve to attract me to the place.
+Though dead and buried, I would not willingly leave them, and hope
+to rest with them, when the sovereign disposer of all things shall
+put a period to my present labours and pursuits.</p>
+
+<p>The advantages we enjoy in this country are indeed very great.
+Here we have no poor; we never see a beggar, nor is there a family
+in want. We have no church establishment, and hardly any taxes.
+This particular State pays all its officers from a treasure in the
+public funds. There are very few crimes committed and we travel
+without the least apprehension of danger. The press is perfectly
+free, and I hope we shall always keep out of war.</p>
+
+<p>I do not think there ever was any country in a state of such rapid
+improvement as this at present; but we have not the same
+advantages for literary and philosophical pursuits that you have
+<!-- Page 93 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>in Europe, though even in this respect we are every day getting<br />
+better. Many books are now printed here, but what scholars chiefly
+want are old books, and these are not to be had. We hope, however,
+that the troubles of Europe will be the cause of sending us some
+libraries and they say that it is an ill wind that blows no
+profit.</p>
+
+<p>I sincerely wish, however, that your troubles were at an end, and
+from our last accounts we think there must be a peace, at least
+from the impossibility of carrying on the war.</p>
+
+<p>With every good wish to my country and to yourself, I am, dear
+	sir,</p></div>
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff">Yours sincerely,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5%">J. PRIESTLEY.</span></div>
+
+<p>Gradually the news went forth that the Doctor contemplated a second
+visit to the metropolis&mdash;Philadelphia, the Capital of the young
+Republic. He wrote&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Having now one tie, and that a strong one, to this place
+(Northumberland) less than I have had I propose to spend more time
+in Philadelphia.</p></div><p><!-- Page 94 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As long as he was capable of public speaking it was his desire to carry
+forward his missionary work,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>but the loss of my fore teeth (having now only two in the upper
+jaw) together with my tendency to stammering, which troubles me
+sometimes, is much against me.</p></div>
+
+<p>Accordingly in early January of 1797 he might have been found there. He
+alludes in his correspondence to the presence in the city of C. Volney,
+a French philosopher and historian, who had been imprisoned but regained
+liberty on the overthrow of Robespierre when he became professor of
+history in the <i>Ecole Normal</i>. Volney was not particularly pleased with
+Priestley's discourses, and took occasion some weeks later to issue</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>VOLNEY'S ANSWER TO PRIESTLEY</p></div>
+
+
+<p>which was advertised by the <i>Aurora</i> as on sale by the principal
+booksellers, price 6 cents.</p>
+
+<p>He was exceedingly rejoiced at the flourishing state of the Unitarian
+Society and the manner in which its services were conducted.</p>
+
+<p>On the occasion of his first discourse the English Ambassador, Mr.
+Lister, was in the audience and Priestley dined with him the day
+following.<!-- Page 95 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Friends had prevailed upon Priestley to preach a charity sermon on his
+next Sunday, in one of the Episcopal churches, but in the end it was
+"delivered at the University Hall."</p>
+
+<p>His mind was much occupied with plans for controverting infidelity,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>the progress of which here is independent of all reasoning,&mdash;</p></div>
+
+<p>so he published the third edition of his "Observations on the Increase
+of Infidelity" and an "Outline of the Evidences of Revealed Religion."
+In the first of them he issued a challenge to Volney who was</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>much looked up to by unbelievers here.</p></div>
+
+<p>Volney's only reply was that he would not read the pamphlet. It was in
+these days that Priestley saw a great deal of Thomas Jefferson; indeed,
+the latter attended several of his sermons. The intercourse of these
+friends was extremely valuable to both. Jefferson welcomed everything
+which Priestley did in science and consulted him much on problems of
+education.</p>
+
+<p>At the election in the American Philosophical Society in the closing
+days of 1796 there was openly discussed<!-- Page 96 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>whether to choose me (Priestley) or Mr. Jefferson, President of
+the Society,&mdash;</p></div>
+
+<p>which prompted the Doctor</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>to give his informant good reasons why they should not choose
+<i>me</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>Naturally he listened to the political talk. He worried over the
+apparent dislike observed generally to France. He remarked</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The rich not only wish for alliance offensive and defensive with
+England ... but would have little objection to the former
+dependence upon it,</p></div>
+
+<p>and</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The disposition of the lower orders of the people ... for the
+French ... is not extinguished.</p></div>
+
+<p>He was much annoyed by Peter Porcupine. The latter was publishing a
+daily paper (1799) and in it frequently brought forward Priestley's name
+in the most opprobrious manner, although Priestley in his own words<!-- Page 97 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>had nothing to do with the politics of the country.</p></div>
+
+<p>The Doctor advised friend Lindsey that</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>He (Porcupine) every day, advertizes his pamphlet against me, and
+after my name adds, "commonly known by the name of the fire-brand
+philosopher."</p></div>
+
+<p>However, he flattered himself that he would soon be back in
+Northumberland, where he would be usefully engaged, as</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I have cut myself out work for a year at least ... besides
+attending to my experiments.</p></div>
+
+<p>Mr. Adams had come into the Presidency, so Priestley very properly went
+to pay his respects and</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>take leave of the late President (Washington)</p></div>
+
+<p>whom he thought in not very good spirits, although</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>he invited me to Mount Vernon and said he thought he should hardly
+go from home twenty miles as long as he lived.</p></div><p><!-- Page 98 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Priestley's fame was rapidly spreading through the land. Thoughtful men
+were doing him honor in many sections of the country, as is evident from
+the following clipping from a Portland (Me.) paper for March 27, 1797:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>On Friday the twenty-fourth a number of gentlemen, entertaining a
+high sense of the character, abilities and services of the
+Reverend Doctor JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, as a friend and promoter of true
+science dined together at the Columbian Tavern, in commemoration
+of his birth. The following toasts were given.</p>
+
+<p>1. That Illustrious Christian and Philosopher, Joseph Priestley:
+May the world be as grateful to him for his services as his
+services are beneficial to the world.</p>
+
+<p>2. May the names of Locke, Newton, Montesquieu, Hartley and
+Franklin be had in everlasting remembrance.</p>
+
+<p>3. The great gift of God to man, Reason! May it influence the
+world in policy, in laws, and in religion.</p>
+
+<p>4. TRUTH: May the splendour of her charms dissipate the gloom of
+superstition, and expel hypocricy from the heart of man.<!-- Page 99 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>5. May our laws be supported by religion: but may religion never be
+supported by law.</p>
+
+<p>6. White-robed Charity: May she accompany us in all our steps and
+cover us with a mantle of love.</p>
+
+<p>7. Christians of all denominations: May they "love one another."</p>
+
+<p>As it was a "feast of reason" the purest philanthrophy dignified
+the conversation; and moderation and temperance bounded every
+effusion of the heart.</p></div>
+
+<p>It was in the summer of 1797 that he carried forward his work on
+Phlogiston, alluded to on p. 81. He understood quite well that the
+entire chemical world was against him but he was not able to find good
+reasons</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>to despair of the old system.</p></div>
+
+<p>It must be remembered that in these days, also, he had Thomas Cooper
+with him. With this gentleman he discussed his scientific studies and
+with him also he carried on many arguments upon the burning subject of
+infidelity, about which he continuously wrote his friends in this
+country and in England. It was quite generally believed that<!-- Page 100 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> Cooper was
+an infidel. Never, however, did their intimacy suffer in the slightest
+by their conflicting views.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Church History</i> continued to hold Priestley's first thought. He was
+a busy student, occupied with a diversity of interests and usually
+cheerful and eager to follow up new lines of endeavor. The arrival of
+vessels from the home country was closely watched. Books and apparatus
+were brought by them. While, as observed, he was singularly cheerful and
+happy, he confessed at times that</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>my character as a philosopher is under a cloud.</p></div>
+
+<p>Yet, this was but a momentary depression, for he uttered in almost the
+same breath&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Everything will be cleared up in a reasonable time.</p></div>
+
+<p>Amid the constant daily duties he found real solace in his scientific
+pursuits; indeed when he was quite prepared to abandon all his
+activities he declared of his experiments that he could not stop them
+for<!-- Page 101 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I consider them as that study of the works of the great Creator,
+which I shall resume with more advantage hereafter.</p></div>
+
+<p>He advised his friends Lindsey and Belsham&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I cannot express what <i>I</i> feel on receiving your letters. They set
+my thoughts afloat, so that I can do nothing but ruminate a
+long time; but it is a most pleasing melancholy.</p></div>
+
+<p>Far removed from European events he was nevertheless ever keen and alert
+concerning them. Then the winter of 1797 appears to have been very
+severe. His enforced confinement to home probably gave rise to an
+introspection, and a slight disappointment in matters which had formerly
+given him pleasure. For example, he puzzled over the fact that on his
+second visit to Philadelphia, Mr. Adams was present but once at his
+lectures, and remarks&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>When my lectures were less popular, and he was near his
+presidentship, he left me, making a kind of apology, from the
+members of the principal Presbyterian Church having offered him a
+pew there. He seem<!-- Page 102 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>ed to interest himself in my favour against M.
+Volney, but did not subscribe to my Church History ... I suppose
+he was not pleased that I did not adopt his dislike of the French.</p></div>
+
+<p>When January of 1798 arrived his joy was great. A box of books had come.
+Among them was a General Dictionary which he regarded as a real
+treasure. Reading was now his principal occupation. He found the making
+of many experiments irksome and seemed, all at once, "quite averse to
+having his hands so much in water." Presumably these were innocent
+excuses for his devotion to the Church History which had been brought up
+to date. Furthermore he was actually contemplating transplanting himself
+to France. But with it all he wrote assiduously on religious topics, and
+was highly pleased with the experimental work he had sent to Dr.
+Mitchill (p. 85).</p>
+
+<p>He advised his friends of the "intercepted letters" which did him much
+harm when they were published. They called down upon him severest
+judgement and suspicion, and made him&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>disliked by all the friends of the ruling power in this country.</p></div><p><!-- Page 103 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It may be well to note that these "intercepted letters" were found on a
+Danish ship, inclosed in a cover addressed to</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>DR. PRIESTLEY, IN AMERICA</p></div>
+
+<p>They came from friends, English and French, living in Paris. They
+abounded</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>with matter of the most serious reflection.... If the animosity of
+these apostate Englishmen against their own country, their
+conviction that no submissions will avert our danger, and their
+description of the engines employed by the Directory for our
+destruction, were impressed as they ought to be, upon the minds of
+all our countrymen, we should certainly never again be told of the
+innocent designs of these traitors, or their associates&mdash;</p></div>
+
+<p>The preceding quotation is from a booklet containing exact copies of the
+"intercepted letters."</p>
+
+<p>In the first of the letters, dated Feb. 12, 1798, the correspondent of
+Priestley tells that he had met a young Frenchman who had visited
+Northumberland<!-- Page 104 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>and we all rejoiced at the <ins class="correction" title="sic; presumably 'agreeable'">aggreeable</ins> information that at the
+peace you would not fail to revisit Europe; and that he hoped you
+would fix yourself in this country (France). Whether you fix
+yourself here or in England, (<i>as England will then be</i>) is
+probably a matter of little importance ... but we all think you are
+misplaced where you are, though, no doubt, in the way of  <i>usefulness</i>&mdash;</p></div>
+
+<p>The editor of the letters annotates <i>usefulness</i> thus:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Dr. Priestley is <i>in the way of usefulness</i> in America, because he
+is labouring there, as his associates are in Europe, to disunite
+the people from their government, and to introduce the blessings
+of French anarchy.</p></div>
+
+<p>These "intercepted letters" in no way prove that Dr. Priestley was
+engaged in any movement against his native land or against his adopted
+country. However, the whole world was in an uproar. People were ready to
+believe the worst regarding their fellows, so it is not surprising that
+he should have declared himself "disliked."</p>
+
+<p>He alludes frequently to the marvelous changes<!-- Page 105 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> taking place in the
+States. Everything was in rapid motion. Taxes were the topic of
+conversation on all sides.</p>
+
+<p>To divert his philosophizing he busied himself in his laboratory where
+many "original experiments were made." He avoided the crowd. There was
+too great a party spirit. Indeed, there was violence, so he determined
+not to visit Philadelphia. He sought to escape the "rancorous abuse"
+which was being hurled at him&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>as a citizen of France.</p></div>
+
+<p>One must read his correspondence to fully appreciate Priestley during
+the early days of 1799. What must have been his mental condition when he
+wrote Lindsey&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>As to a public violent death the idea of that does not affect me
+near so much</p></div>
+
+<p>and</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I cannot express what I feel when I receive and read your letters.
+I generally shed many tears over them.</p></div>
+
+<p>There was no assurance in financial and commercial circles. The hopes of
+neither the more<!-- Page 106 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> sober, nor of the wild and fanatic reformers of
+humanity could be realized, and they got into such a war of hate and
+abuse that they themselves stamped their doctrines false.</p>
+
+<p>Priestley was out of patience with the public measures of the country.
+He disliked them as much as he did those of England, but added</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Here the excellence of the Constitution provides a remedy, if the
+people will make use of it, and if not, they deserve what they
+suffer.</p></div>
+
+<p>The Constitution was a favorite instrument with him. A most interesting
+lecture upon it will be found among the <i>Discourses</i> which he proposed
+delivering in Philadelphia. This never occurred.</p>
+
+<p>The Academy he expected to see in operation failed for support. The
+walls were raised and he feared it would go no further. The Legislature
+had voted it $3000, but the Senate negatived this act. He thought of
+giving up the presidency of it.</p>
+
+<p>He wrote Dr. Rush that he was quite busy with replies to Dr. Woodhouse's
+attack on his confirmation of the existence of phlogiston, (p. 88). He
+relished his discussions with Woodhouse and was confident that
+eventually he would "overturn the<!-- Page 107 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> French system of chemistry." He
+further remarked to Rush&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Were you at liberty to make an excursion as far as these <i>back
+woods</i> I shall be happy to see you, and so would many others.</p></div>
+
+<p>But at that particular moment Rush was too much engaged in combating
+yellow fever, which again ravaged Philadelphia, and all who could, fled,
+and the streets were "lifeless and dead." The prevalence of this fearful
+plague was a potent factor in Priestley's failure to visit the City
+during the year&mdash;the last year of a closing Century which did not end in
+the prosperity anticipated for it in the hopeful months and years
+following the war. It seemed, in many ways, to be the end of an era.
+Washington died December 14, 1799, and the Federalists' tenure of power
+was coming to a close. The Jeffersonians, aided by eight of the
+electoral votes of Pennsylvania, won the victory, amid outbursts of
+unprecedented political bitterness. It was, therefore, very wise that
+the Doctor remained <ins class="correction" title="original: 'quitely'">quietly</ins> at home in Northumberland with his
+experiments and Church History.</p>
+
+<p>The new Century&mdash;the 19th&mdash;found our beloved philosopher at times quite
+proud of the success he had with his experiments and full of<!-- Page 108 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> genuine
+hope that "phlogiston" was established; and again dejected because of
+the "coarse and low articles" directed against him by the prints of the
+day. To offset, in a measure, the distrust entertained for him because
+of the "intercepted letters" he addressed a series of <i>Letters</i> to the
+inhabitants of Northumberland and vicinity. These were explanatory of
+his views. At home they were most satisfying but in the city they
+brought upon him "more abuse." And, so, he translated a passage from
+Petrarch which read&mdash;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>By civil <ins class="correction" title="sic; presumably feuds">fueds</ins> exiled my native home,<br />
+Resign'd, though injured, hither I have come.<br />
+Here, groves and streams, delights of rural ease;<br />
+Yet, where the associates, wont to serve and please;<br />
+The aspect bland, that bade the heart confide?<br />
+Absent from these, e'en here, no joys abide.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>And these were incorporated in his brochure.</p>
+
+<p>Having alluded to the <i>Letters</i> addressed to the Northumberland folks,
+it may be proper to introduce a letter which Priestley received from Mr.
+Jefferson, whom the former was disposed to hold<!-- Page 109 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> as "in many respects
+the first man in this Country:"</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date">
+Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1800.</div>
+<div class="blockquot-letter">Dear Sir&mdash;</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I thank you for the pamphlets (Letters) you were so kind as to
+send me. You will know what I thought of them by my having before
+sent a dozen sets to Virginia, to distribute among my friends; yet
+I thank you not the less for these, which I value the more as they
+came from yourself.</p>
+
+<p>The papers of Political Arithmetic, both in yours and Mr. Cooper's
+pamphlets, are the most precious gifts that can be made to us; for
+we are running navigation-mad, and commerce-mad, and Navy-mad,
+which is worst of all. How desirable it is that you should pursue
+that subject for us. From the porcupines of our country you will
+receive no thanks, but the great mass of our nation will edify,
+and thank you.</p>
+
+<p>How deeply have I been chagrined and mortified at the persecutions
+which fanaticism and monarchy have excited against you, even here!
+At first, I believed it was merely a continuance of the English
+persecution; but I observe that, on the demise<!-- Page 110 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> of Porcupine, and
+the division of his inheritance between Fenno and Brown, the
+latter (though succeeding only to the Federal portion of
+Porcupinism, not the Anglican, which is Fenno's part) serves up
+for the palate of his sect dishes of abuse against you as
+high-seasoned as Porcupine's were. You have sinned against Church
+and King, and therefore can never be forgiven. How sincerely I
+have regretted that your friend, before he fixed a choice of
+position, did not visit the valleys on each side of the blue range
+in Virginia, as Mr. Madison and myself so much wished. You would
+have found there equal soil, the finest climate, and the most
+healthy air on the earth, the homage of universal reverence and
+love, and the power of the country spread over you as a shield;
+but, since you would not make it your Country by adoption, you
+must now do it by your good offices.</p></div>
+
+<p>Mr. Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, so approved the "Letters"
+that he got a new edition of them printed at Albany.</p>
+
+<p>The following letter to this same gentleman, although upon another
+subject than the "Letters"<!-- Page 111 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> is not devoid of interest. It has come into
+the writer's hands through the kind offices of Dr. Thomas L. Montgomery,
+State Librarian of Pennsylvania:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Sir,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I think myself much honoured by your letter, and should have
+thought myself singularly happy if my situation had been near to
+such a person as you. Persons engaged in scientific pursuits are
+few in this country. Indeed, they are not very numerous anywhere.
+In other respects I think myself very happy where I am.</p>
+
+<p>I have never given much attention to machines of any kind, and
+therefore cannot pretend to decide concerning your proposal for
+the improvement of the fire engine. It appears to me to deserve
+attention. But I do not for want of a drawing see in what manner
+the steam is to be let into the cylinder, or discharged from it.
+There would be, I fear, an objection to it from the force
+necessary to raise the column of mercury, and from the evaporation
+of the mercury in the requisite heat. I have found that it loses
+weight in 70&deg; Fahrenheit. If the mercury was pure, I should not<!-- Page 112 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+apprehend much from the calcination of it, though, as I have
+observed, the agitation of it in water, converts a part of it into
+a black powder, which I propose to examine farther.</p>
+
+<p>If travelling was attended with no fewer inconveniences here than
+it is in England, I should certainly wait upon you and some other
+friends at New York. But this, and my age, render it impossible,
+and it would be unreasonable to expect many visitors in this <i>back
+woods</i>.</p>
+
+<p>I shall be very happy to be favoured with your correspondence, and
+am,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff">Sir,<br />
+Yours sincerely,<br />
+J. PRIESTLEY</div>
+<div class="blockquot">Northumberland April 16, 1799.</div>
+<p>In this period Thomas Cooper was convicted of libel. He was thrown into
+prison. Priestley regarded him as a rising man in the Country.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> He
+said the act was the last blow of the Federal party "which is now broke
+up."<!-- Page 113 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Priestley's daughter, in England, was ill at this time. Her life was
+despaired of and tidings from her were few and most distressing, but the
+Doctor maintained a quiet and calm assurance of her recovery.</p>
+
+<p>Subsequent correspondence between Mr. Jefferson and Priestley had much
+in it about the new College which the former contemplated for the State
+of Virginia. Indeed, the thought was entertained that Priestley himself
+might become a professor in it, but his advanced age, he contended
+forbade this, although he was agreeable to the idea of getting
+professors from Europe.</p>
+
+<p>Here, perhaps, may well be included several letters, now in possession
+of the Library of Congress, which reveal the attitude of Dr. Priestley
+toward President Jefferson, who was indeed most friendly to him:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Dear Sir&mdash;</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I am flattered by your thinking so favourably of my <i>pamphlets</i>,
+which were only calculated to give some satisfaction to my
+suspicious neighbours. Chancellor Livingston informs me that he
+has got an edition of them printed at Albany, for the information
+of the people in the back country, where, he says, it is so much
+wanted. Indeed, it<!-- Page 114 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> seems extraordinary, that in such a country as
+this, where there is no court to dazzle men's eyes a maxim as
+plain as that 2 and 2 make 4 should not be understood, and acted
+upon. It is evident that the bulk of mankind are governed by
+something very different from reasoning and argument. This
+principle must have its influence even in your Congress, for if
+the members are not convinced by the excellent speeches of Mr.
+Gallatin and Nicolas, neither would they be persuaded tho one
+should rise from the dead.</p>
+
+<p>It is true that I had more to do with colleges, and places of
+education, than most men in Europe; but I would not pretend to
+advise in this country. I will, however, at my leisure, propose
+such <i>hints</i> as shall occur to me; and if you want tutors from
+England, I can recommend some very good ones. Were I a few years
+younger, and more moveable, I should make interest for some
+appointment in your institution myself; but age and inactivity are
+fast approaching, and I am so fixed here, that a remove is
+absolutely impossible, unless you were possessed of <i><ins class="correction" title="sic; presumably Aladdin">Aladin</ins>'s
+lamp</i>, and could trans<!-- Page 115 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>port my house, library, and laboratory,
+into Virginia without trouble or expense.</p>
+
+<p>On my settlement here the gentlemen in the neighbourhood, thinking
+to make me of some use, set on foot a college, of which I gave
+them the plan, and they got it incorporated, and made me the
+president; but tho I proposed to give lectures <i>gratis</i>, and had
+the disposal of a valuable library at the decease of a learned
+friend (new, near so), and had it in my power to render them
+important service in various ways, yet, owing I suspect, in part
+at least, to religious and political prejudices, nothing more has
+been done, besides marking the site of a building these five
+years, so that I have told them I shall resign.</p>
+
+<p>I much wish to have some conversation with you on social subjects;
+but I cannot expect that the Vice President of the United States
+should visit me in my <i>shed</i> at Northumberland, and I cannot come
+to you. I intended on my settling here to have spent a month or so
+every winter at Philadelphia, but the state of the times, and
+various accidents, have a little deranged my finances, and I
+prefer to spend what I can spare on<!-- Page 116 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> my experiments, and
+publication, rather than in travelling and seeing my friends.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff"><p>
+With the greatest respect, I am,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5%">Dear Sir,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10%">Yours sincerely,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15%">J. PRIESTLEY.</span>
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date-end">
+<p>Northumberland Jan. 30, 1800.</p></div>
+<div class="blockquot-letter">Dear Sir&mdash;
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I enclose my thoughts on the subject you did me the honour to
+propose to me. Your own better judgment will decide concerning
+their value, or their fitness for the circumstances of your
+College. This may require a very different distribution of the
+business from that which I here recommend.</p>
+
+<p>I thank you for your care to transmit a copy of my works to Bp.
+Madison. He, as well as many others, speaks of the increasing
+spread of republican principles in this country. I wish I could
+see the effects of it. But I fear we flatter ourselves, and if I
+be rightly informed, my poor <i>Letters</i> have done more harm than
+good. I can only say that I am a sincere well wisher to this
+country, and the purity and stability of its constitution.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff"><p>
+Yours sincerely,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5%">J. PRIESTLEY.</span></p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date-end"><p>Northumberland May 8, 1800.<!-- Page 117 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p><span class="smcap">Hints Concerning Public Education</span></p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Persons educated at public seminaries are of two classes. One is
+that of professional men, and physicians and divines who are to be
+qualified for entering upon their professions immediately after
+leaving the college or university. The other is that of gentlemen,
+and those who are designed for offices of civil and active life.
+The former must be minutely instructed in everything adding to
+their several professions, whereas to the latter a general
+knowledge of the several branches of science is sufficient. To the
+former, especially that of Medicine, several professors are
+necessary, as the business must be subdivided, in order to be
+taught to advantage. For the purpose of the latter fewer professors
+are wanted, as it is most advisable to give them only the elements
+of the several branches of knowledge, to which they may afterwards
+give more particular attention, as they may have a disposition or
+convenience for it.</p>
+
+<p>Lawyers are not supposed to be qualified for entering upon their
+professions at any place of public education. They are therefore to
+be considered as gentlemen to whom a general knowledge is
+sufficient. It is advisable, however, that when any subject, as
+that of Medicine, is much divided,<!-- Page 118 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> and distributed among a number
+of professors, lectures of a more general and popular nature be
+provided for the other classes of students, to whom some knowledge
+of the subject may be very useful. A general knowledge, for
+example, of anatomy and of medicine, too, is useful to all persons,
+and therefore ought not to be omitted in any scheme of liberal
+education. And if in a regular school of medicine any of the
+professors would undertake this, it might serve as an useful
+introduction to that more particular and accurate knowledge which
+is necessary for practiced physicians.</p>
+
+<p>The branches of knowledge which are necessary to the teachers of
+religion are not so many, or so distinct from each other, but that
+they may all be taught by one professor, as far as is necessary to
+qualify persons for commencing preachers. To acquire more
+knowledge, as that of the scriptures, ecclesistical history, etc.
+must be the business of their future lives. But every person
+liberally educated should have a general knowledge of Metaphysics,
+the theory of morals, and religion; and therefore some popular
+lectures of this kind should be provided for the students in
+general.</p>
+
+<p>One professor of antient languages may be sufficient for a place of
+liberal education, and I would not make any provision for
+instruction in the<!-- Page 119 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> modern languages, for tho the knowledge of
+them, as well as skill in fencing, dancing and riding, is proper
+for gentlemen liberally educated, instruction in them may be
+procured on reasonable terms without burdening the funds of the
+seminary with them.</p>
+
+<p>Abstract Mathematics, and Natural Philosophy, are so distinct, that
+they require different teachers. One is sufficient for the former,
+but the latter must be subdivided, one for natural history, another
+for experimental Philosophy in general and a third for chemistry;
+in consequence of the great extension of this branch of
+experimental Philosophy of late years. The botany, mineralogy, and
+other branches of natural history are sufficiently distinct to
+admit of different professors, nothing more than a general
+knowledge of each of them, and directions for acquiring a more
+extended knowledge of them is necessary at any place of education.</p>
+
+<p>Two or three Schools of Medicine I should think sufficient for all
+the United States for some years to come, but with respect to these
+I do not pretend to give any opinion not having sufficient
+knowledge of the subject. Places of liberal education in general
+should be made more numerous, and for each of them I should think
+the following professors (if the funds of the Society will admit of
+it) should be engaged, <i>viz.</i> (1) For the antient<!-- Page 120 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> languages. (2)
+The Belles Lettres, including universal Grammar, Oratory, criticism
+and bibliography. (3) Mathematics. (4) Natural history. (5)
+Experimental Philosophy. (6) Chemistry, including the theory of
+Agriculture. (7) Anatomy and Medicine. (8) Geography and history,
+Law, and general policy. (9) Metaphysics, morals, and theology.</p>
+
+<p>A course of liberal education should be as comprehensive as
+possible. For this purpose a large and well chosen <i>library</i> will
+be of great use. Not that the students should be encouraged to read
+books while they are under tuition, but an opportunity of seeing
+books, and looking into them, will give them a better idea of the
+value of them than they could get by merely hearing of them, and
+they would afterwards better know what books to purchase when they
+should have the means and the leisure for the perusal of them. A
+large collection of books will also be useful to the lecturer in
+<i>bibliography</i> and would recommend the seminary to the professors
+in general, and make it a desirable place of residence for
+gentlemen of a studious turn.</p>
+
+<p>2. In order to engage able professors, some fixed salaries are
+necessary; but they should not be much more than a bare
+subsistence. They will then have a motive to exert themselves, and
+by<!-- Page 121 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> the fees of students their emoluments may be ample. The
+professorships in the English universities, which are largely
+endowed, are sinecures; while those in Scotland, to which small
+stipends are annexed, are filled by able and active men.</p>
+
+<p>3. It is not wise to engage any persons who are much advanced in
+life, or of established reputation for efficient teachers. They
+will not be so active as younger men who have a character to
+acquire. They will also better accommodate their lectures to the
+increasing light of the age, whereas old men will be attached to
+old systems, tho ever so imperfect. Besides, they are the most
+expert in teaching who have lately learned, and the minutae of
+science, which are necessary to a teacher, are generally forgotten
+by good scholars who are advanced in life, and it is peculiarly
+irksome to relearn them.</p>
+
+<p>4. I would not without necessity have recourse to any foreign
+country for professors. They will expect too much deference, and
+the natives will be jealous of them.</p>
+
+<p>5. Three things must be attended to in the education of youth. They
+must be <i>taught</i>, <i>fed</i> and <i>governed</i> and each of these requires
+very different qualifications. They who are the best qualified to
+teach are often the most unfit to govern, and it is generally
+advisable that neither of these have<!-- Page 122 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> anything to do with providing
+victuals. In the English universities all these affairs are
+perfectly distinct. The <i>tutors</i> only teach, the <i>proctors</i>
+superintend the discipline, and the <i>cooks</i> provide the victuals.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date"><p>
+Philadelphia, Apr. 10, 1801.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Dear Sir&mdash;</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Your kind letter, which, considering the numerous engagements
+incident to your situation, I had no right to expect, was highly
+gratifying to me, and I take the first opportunity of
+acknowledging it. For tho I believe I am completely recovered from
+my late illness, I am advised to write as little as possible. Your
+invitation to pay you a visit is flattering to me in the highest
+degree, and I shall not wholly despair of some time or other
+availing myself of it, but for the present I must take the nearest
+way home.</p>
+
+<p>Your resentment of the treatment I have met with in this country
+is truly generous, but I must have been but little impressed with
+the principles of the religion you so justly commend, if they had
+not enabled me to bear much more than I have yet suffered.<!-- Page 123 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> Do not
+suppose that, after the much worse treatment to which I was for
+many years exposed in England (of which the pamphlet I take the
+liberty to inclose will give you some idea) I was much affected by
+this. My <i>Letters to the Inhabitants of Northumberland</i> were not
+occasioned by any such thing, tho it served me as a pretense for
+writing them, but the threatenings of Mr. Pickering, whose purpose
+to send me out of the country Mr. Adams (as I conclude from a
+circuitous attempt that he made to prevent it) would not, in the
+circumstances in which he then was, have been able to directly
+oppose. My publication was of service to me in that and other
+respects and I hope, in some measure, to the common cause. But had
+it not been for the extreme absurdity and violence of the late
+administration, I do not know how far the measures might not have
+been carried. I rejoice more than I can express in the glorious
+reverse that has taken place, and which has secured your election.
+This I flatter myself will be the permanent establishment of truly
+republican principles in this country, and also contribute to the
+same desirable event in more distant ones.<!-- Page 124 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I beg you would not trouble yourself with any answer to this. The
+knowledge of your good opinion and good wishes, is quite
+sufficient for me. I feel for the difficulties of your situation,
+but your spirit and prudence will carry you thro them, tho not
+without paying the tax which the wise laws of nature have imposed
+upon preeminence and celebrity of every kind, a tax which, for
+want of true greatness of mind, neither of your predecessors, if I
+estimate their characters aright, paid without much reluctance.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-signoff"><p>
+With every good wish, I am,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5%">Dear Sir,<br /></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 10%">Yours sincerely,<br /></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 15%">J. PRIESTLEY.</span>
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>P.S.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>As I trust that <i>Politics</i> will not make you forget what is due to
+<i>science</i>, I shall send you a copy of some articles that are just
+printed for the <i>Transactions of the Philosophical Society</i> in
+this place. No. (5) p. 36 is the most deserving of your notice. I
+should have sent you my <i>Defence of Phlogiston</i>, but that I
+presume you have seen it.</p></div><p><!-- Page 125 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date">June, 1802.</div>
+<div class="blockquot-letter">To Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Sir,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>My high respect for your character, as a politician, and a man,
+makes me desirous of connecting my name, in some measure with
+yours while it is in my power, by means of some publication, to do
+it.</p>
+
+<p>The first part of this work, which brought the history to the fall
+of the western empire, was dedicated to a zealous friend of civil
+and religious liberty, but in a private station. What he, or any
+other friend of liberty in Europe, could only do by their good
+wishes, by writing, or by patriot suffering, you, Sir, are
+actually accomplishing, and upon a theatre of great and growing
+extent.</p>
+
+<p>It is the boast of this country to have a constitution the most
+favourable to political liberty, and private happiness, of any in
+the world, and all say that it was yourself, more than any other
+individual, that planned and established it; and to this opinion
+your conduct in various public offices, and now in the highest,
+gives the clearest attestation.<!-- Page 126 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Many have appeared the friends of the rights of man while they were
+subject to the power of others, and especially when they were
+sufferers by it; but I do not recollect one besides yourself who
+retained the same principles, and acted by them, in a station of
+real power. You, Sir, have done more than this; having proposed to
+relinquish some part of the power which the constitution gave you;
+and instead of adding to the burden of the people, it has been
+your endeavour to lighten those burdens tho the necessary
+consequence must be the diminution of your influence. May this
+great example, which I doubt not will demonstrate the
+practicability of truly republican principles, by the actual
+existence of a form of government calculated to answer all the
+useful purposes of government (giving equal protection to all, and
+leaving every man in the possession of every power that he can
+exercise to his own advantage, without infringing on the equal
+liberty of others) be followed in other countries, and at length
+become universal.</p>
+
+<p>Another reason why I wish to prefix your name to this work, and
+more appropriate to the subject of it, is that you have ever<!-- Page 127 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> been
+a strenuous and uniform advocate of religious no less than civil
+liberty, both in your own state of Virginia, and in the United
+States in general, seeing in the clearest light the various and
+great mischiefs that have arisen from any particular form of
+religion being favoured by the State more than any other; so that
+the profession or practice of religion is here as free as that of
+philosophy, or medicine. And now the experience of more than
+twenty years leaves little room to doubt but that it is a state,
+of things the most favourable to mutual candour, which is of great
+importance to domestic peace and good neighbourhood and to the
+cause of all truth, religious truth least of all excepted. When
+every question is thus left to free discussion, there cannot be a
+doubt but that truth will finally prevail, and establish itself by
+its own evidence; and he must know little of mankind, or of human
+nature, who can imagine that truth of any kind will be ultimately
+unfavourable to general happiness. That man must entertain a
+secret suspicion of his own principles who wishes for any
+exclusive advantage in his defence or profession of them.<!-- Page 128 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Having fled from a state of persecution in England, and having been
+exposed to some degree of danger in the late administration here, I
+naturally feel the greater satisfaction in the prospect of passing
+the remainder of an active life (when I naturally wish for repose)
+under your protection. Tho arrived at the usual term of human life
+it is now only that I can say I see nothing to fear from the hand
+of power, the government under which I live being for the first
+time truly favourable to me. And tho it will be evident to all who
+know me that I have never been swayed by the mean principle of
+fear, it is certainly a happiness to be out of the possibility of
+its influence, and to end ones days in peace, enjoying some degree
+of rest before the state of more perfect rest in the grave, and
+with the hope of rising to a state of greater activity, security
+and happiness beyond it. This is all that any man can wish for, or
+have; and this, Sir, under your administration, I enjoy.</p>
+
+<p>With the most perfect attachment, and every good wish I subscribe
+myself not your subject, or humble servant, but your sincere
+admirer.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff"><p>J. PRIESTLEY.</p></div>
+	<p><!-- Page 129 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Dear Sir,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>As there are some particulars in a letter I have lately received
+from Mr. Stone at Paris which I think it will give you pleasure to
+have, and Mr. Cooper has been so obliging as to translate them for
+me, I take the liberty to send them, along with a copy of my
+<i>Dedication</i>, with the correction that you suggested, and a Note
+from the latter with which you favoured me concerning what you did
+with respect to the <i>constitution</i>, and which is really more than
+I had ascribed to you. For almost everything of importance to
+political liberty in that instrument was, as it appears to me,
+suggested by you, and as this was unknown to myself, and I believe
+is so with the world in general, I was unwilling to omit this
+opportunity of noticing it.</p>
+
+<p>I shall be glad if you will be so good as to engage any person
+sufficiently qualified to draw up such an account of the
+<i>constitutional forms</i> of this country as my friends say will be
+agreeable to the emperor, and I will transmit it to Mr. Stone.</p>
+
+<p>Not knowing any certain method of sending a letter to France and
+presuming that you do I take the liberty to inclose my letter<!-- Page 130 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> to
+Mr. Stone. It is, however, so written that no danger can arise to
+him from it, into whatever hands it may fall.</p>
+
+<p>The state of my health, though, I thank God, much improved, will
+not permit me to avail myself of your kind invitation to pay you a
+visit. Where ever I am, you may depend upon my warmest attachment
+and best wishes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff"><p>
+J. PRIESTLEY.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date-end"><p>
+Northumberland Oct. 29, 1802.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>P.S.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I send a copy of the <i>Preface</i> as well as of the <i>Dedication</i>,
+that you may form some idea of the work you are pleased to
+patronize.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date">
+<p>Northumberland Jan. 25, 1803.</p></div>
+<div class="blockquot-letter">
+<p>Dear Sir,
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>As you were pleased to think favourably of my pamphlet entitled
+<i>Socrates and Jesus compared</i>, I take the liberty to send you a
+<i>defence</i> of it. My principal object, you will perceive, was to
+lay hold of the opportunity, given me by Mr. B. Linn, to excite
+some attention to doctrines which I consider as of peculiar
+importance in the<!-- Page 131 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> Christian system, and which I do not find to
+have been discussed in this country.</p>
+
+<p>The Church History is, I hope, by this time in the hands of the
+bookseller at Philadelphia, so that you will soon, if my
+directions have been attended to, receive a copy of the work which
+I have the honour to dedicate to you.</p>
+
+<p>With the greatest respect and attachment, I am</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff"><p>
+Dear Sir,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5%">Yours sincerely,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10%">J. PRIESTLEY.</span>
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Dear Sir,</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I take the liberty to send you <i>a second defence of my pamphlet
+about Socrates</i>, on the 16th page of which you will find that I
+have undertaken the task you were pleased to recommend to me. On
+giving more attention to it, I found, as the fox did with respect
+to the lion, that my apprehensions entirely vanished. Indeed, I
+have already accomplished a considerable part of the work, and in
+about a year from this time I hope to finish the whole, provided
+my health, which is very precarious, be continued in the state in
+which it now is.<!-- Page 132 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> I directed a copy of the <i>tract on phlogiston</i>
+to be sent to you from Philadelphia, and I shall order another,
+which, together with the inclosed papers, I shall be much obliged
+to you if you will convey to. Mr. Livingston. Please also to cast
+an eye over them yourself; and if you can with propriety promote
+my interest by any representation of yours, I am confident you
+will do it.</p>
+
+<p>When you wrote to me at the commencement of your administration,
+you said "the only dark speck in our horizon is in Louisiana." By
+your excellent conduct it is now the brightest we have to look to.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Vaughan having applied to me for a copy of my Harmony of the
+Evangelists, which was not to be had in Philadelphia, and
+intimated that it was for you, my son, whose copy is more perfect
+than mine, begs the honour of your acceptance of it, as a mark of
+his high esteem, in which he has the hearty concurrence of</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff"><p>
+Dear Sir,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5%">Yours sincerely,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10%">J. PRIESTLEY.</span>
+</p></div>
+<div class="blockquot-date-end"><p>Northumberland Dec. 12, 1803.</p></div>
+<p><!-- Page 133 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>His European correspondents were informed that he was much engaged with
+religious matters. While his theological views were not received very
+graciously yet he found</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>some young men of a serious and inquisitive turn, who read my
+works, and are confirmed Unitarians.</p></div>
+
+<p>In one of his communications to Lindsey, written in April 1800, he
+expresses himself in the following most interesting way relative to his
+scientific engagements. American men of science will welcome it: This is
+the message:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I send along with this an account of a course of experiments of as
+much importance as almost any that I have ever made. Please to
+shew it to Mr. Kirwan, and give it either to Mr. Nicholson for his
+journal, or to Mr. Phillips for his magazine, as you please. I was
+never more busy or more successful in this way, when I was in
+England; and I am very thankful to Providence for the means and
+the leisure for these pursuits, which next to theological studies,
+interest me the most. Indeed, there is a natural alliance between
+them, as there must be between the word and the works of God.</p></div><p><!-- Page 134 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He was now at work apparently in his own little laboratory adjacent to
+his dwelling place. For more than a century this structure has remained
+practically as it was in the days of Priestley. In it he did remarkable
+things, in his judgment; thus refuting the general idea that after his
+arrival in America nothing of merit in the scientific direction was
+accomplished by him. The satisfactory results, mentioned to Lindsey,
+were embodied in a series of "Six Chemical Essays" which eventually
+found their way into the Transactions of the American Philosophical
+Society. It is a miscellany of observations. In it are recorded the
+results found on passing the "vapour of spirit of nitre" over iron
+turnings, over copper, over perfect charcoal, charcoal of bones, melted
+lead, tin and bismuth; and there appears a note to the effect that in
+Papin's digester "a solution of caustic alkali, aided by heat, made a
+<i>liquor silicum</i> with pounded flint glass." There is also given a
+description of a pyrophorus obtained from iron and sulphur. More
+interesting, however, was the account of the change of place in
+different kinds of air, "through several interposing substances," in
+which Priestley recognized distinctly for the first time, the phenomena
+of gaseous diffusion. There are also references to the absorption of air
+by water, and of course, as one<!-- Page 135 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> would expect from the Doctor, for it
+never failed, there is once more emphasized "certain facts pertaining to
+phlogiston." His friends were quite prepared for such statements. They
+thought of Joseph Priestley and involuntarily there arose the idea of
+phlogiston.</p>
+
+<p>The little workshop or laboratory, in Northumberland, where these facts
+were gathered, will soon be removed to the Campus of Pennsylvania State
+College. It will be preserved with care and in it, it is hoped, will be
+gradually assembled everything to be found relating to the noble soul
+who once disclosed Nature's secrets in this simple primitive structure,
+which American chemists should ever cherish, and hold as a Mecca for all
+who would look back to the beginnings of chemical research in our
+beloved country.</p>
+
+<p>How appropriate it would be could there be deposited in the little
+laboratory, the apparatus owned and used by Priestley, which at present
+constitutes and for many years past has formed an attractive collection
+in Dickinson College, (Pa.) There would be the burning lens, the
+reflecting telescope, the refracting telescope (probably one of the
+first achromatic telescopes made), the air-gun, the orrery, and flasks
+with heavy ground necks, and heavy curved tubes with ground
+stoppers&mdash;all brought (to Dickinson) through the<!-- Page 136 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> instrumentality of
+Thomas Cooper, "the greatest man in America in the powers of his mind
+and acquired information and that without a single exception" according
+to Thomas Jefferson.</p>
+
+<p>And how the Library would add to the glory of the place, but, alas! it
+has been scattered far and wide, for in 1816, Thomas Dobson advertised
+the same for sale in a neatly printed pamphlet of 96 pages. In it were
+many scarce and valuable books. The appended prices ranged quite widely,
+reaching in one case the goodly sum of two hundred dollars!</p>
+
+<p>And as future chemists visit this unique reminder of Dr. Priestley it
+should be remembered that on the piazza of the dwelling house there
+assembled August 1, 1874, a group of men who planned then and there for
+the organization of the present American Chemical Society.</p>
+
+<p>The "Essays," previously mentioned, will be found intensely interesting
+but they are somewhat difficult to read because of their strange
+nomenclature. Here is Priestley's account of the method pursued by him
+to get nitrogen:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Pure phlogisticated air (nitrogen) may be procured in the easiest
+and surest manner by the use of iron only&mdash;To do this I fill
+phials with turnings of malleable iron,<!-- Page 137 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> and having filled them
+with water, pour it out, to admit the air of the atmosphere, and
+in six or seven hours it will be diminished ... what remains of
+the air in the phials will be the purest phlogisticated air
+(nitrogen).</p></div>
+
+<p>Among his contributions to the scientific periodicals of the times there
+was one relating to the sense of hearing. It is a curious story. One may
+properly ask whether the singular facts in it were not due to defects in
+Priestley's own organs of hearing. The paper did not arouse comment. It
+was so out of the ordinary experimental work which he was carrying
+forward with such genuine pleasure and intense vigour.</p>
+
+<p>Strong appeals were steadily coming from English friends that he return.
+While commenting on the pleasure he should have in seeing them he firmly
+declared that the step would not be wise. In short, despite all
+arguments he had determined to</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>remain where I am for life.</p></div>
+
+<p>The prejudices against him were abating, although he said<!-- Page 138 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>that many things are against me; and though they do not <i>shake</i> my
+faith, they <i>try</i> it.</p></div>
+
+<p>There had gathered a class of fourteen young men about him in the
+Northumberland home. They had adopted his Unitarian ideas. To them he
+lectured regularly on theology and philosophy. Those must have been
+inspiring moments. It was in this wise that the aged philosopher felt he
+was doing good and was most useful. He said that it was</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>a pretty good class of young men to lecture to.</p></div>
+
+<p>Much time was given to his English correspondents. Them he advised of
+the rapid development of the States. He sent to some pictures of the
+country about him, and with much delight he referred to the fact that
+Jefferson, whom he ardently admired, was now, in the closing weeks of
+1800, the President, and his associate&mdash;Aaron Burr, Vice-President. He
+announced to English friends that the late administration, that of John
+Adams, was</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>almost universally reprobated.</p></div><p><!-- Page 139 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Jefferson, he insisted, "will do nothing rashly,"</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>His being president may induce me to visit the federal city, and
+perhaps his seat in Virginia.</p></div>
+
+<p>The seat of government, as may be inferred, had been removed to
+Washington from Philadelphia. But to the latter center, which still
+offered many attractions, Priestley journeyed for the third time early
+in 1801. He was not especially desirous of making this third visit, but
+as his son and daughter came down a distance of 130 miles on business,
+he determined to accompany them. True, Congress was no longer there, but
+there were many interesting people about with whom he had great
+pleasure. With Bishop White, who was most orthodox and whom he saw
+frequently, he enjoyed much "Christian and edifying conversation." John
+Andrews was another favorite. He was a violent Federalist and informed
+Priestley that the latter</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>had done them (the Federalists) more mischief than any other man,</p></div>
+
+<p>yet these two noble spirits lived in amity, and Priestley several times
+announced that Dr.<!-- Page 140 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> Andrews was a Unitarian, which is not the thought
+today in regard to the latter.</p>
+
+<p>It was an eventful year&mdash;this year of 1801. Much that was unexpected
+happened. It brought joy and it brought sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it would be just as well to note the scientific progress of the
+Doctor during this year, for he gave forth the statement that he had
+succeeded in producing air by freezing water. This production of air was
+one of his earlier ideas (p. 62), and now he wrote&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The harder the frost was the more air I procured.</p></div>
+
+<p>Further, he announced that on heating manganese (dioxide) in inflammable
+air</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>no water is formed,</p></div>
+
+<p>and what is rather astounding, he was certain that <i>azote</i> consisted of
+hydrogen and oxygen.</p>
+
+<p>To the <i>Medical Repository</i>, which he regarded highly, there was sent a
+rather thoughtful <ins class="correction" title="original: 'disquisiton'">disquisition</ins> on dreams. In it the idea was expressed</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>that dreams have their seat in some region of the brain more
+deeply seated than that which is occupied by our waking thoughts.</p></div><p><!-- Page 141 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A "Pile of Volta" had been sent out from England. It amused him and he
+studied it carefully when he was led to remark upon the theory of this
+curious process as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The operation wholly depends on the calcination of the zinc, which
+suffers a great diminution in weight, while the silver is little
+affected, and all metals lose their phlogiston in calcination,
+therefore what remains of the zinc in metallic form in the pile
+and everything connected with that end of it, is supersaturated
+with phlogiston.</p></div>
+
+<p>More need not be quoted. It was phlogiston and that only which
+occasioned the electric current. It may properly be added that in this
+connection he wrote:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It is said the inventor of the galvanic pile discovered the
+conducting power of charcoal, whereas it was one of my first
+observations in electricity, made in 1766.</p></div>
+
+<p>Some additional attention to air was also given by him, and in so doing
+he reached the conclusion that</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The diamond and charcoal of copper are, as nearly as possible,
+pure phlogiston.</p></div><p><!-- Page 142 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>One wonders how he could so persuade himself, for these bodies surely
+possessed weight. Why did he not rely more upon his balance?</p>
+
+<p>With Woodhouse he discussed the product from passing water over heated
+charcoal. He had been endeavoring to refute certain statements made by
+Cruikshank. There is no question but that he had carbon monoxide in
+hand, and had it as early as 1799, and that he had obtained it in
+several different ways. Observe this statement:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I always found that the first portion of the heavy inflammable
+air, resulting from the passage of steam over heated charcoal was
+loaded with fixed air (CO<sub>2</sub>), but that in the course of the
+process this disappeared, the remaining air (CO) burning with a
+lambent flame.</p></div>
+
+<p>Scarcely had Priestley set foot in Philadelphia on his third visitation
+than the <i>Port Folio</i>, devoted usually to literature and biography,
+printed the following unkind words:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The tricks of Dr. Priestley to embroil the government, and disturb
+the religion of his own country, have not the merit of novelty.</p></div><p><!-- Page 143 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>To which the <i>Aurora</i> replied:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>When Porcupine rioted in the filth of a debauched and corrupt
+faction in this city, no person experienced so much of his obscene
+and vulgar abuse as Dr. Priestley. There is not a single fact on
+record or capable of being shewn, to prove that Dr. Priestley was
+guilty of any other crime than being a dissenter from the church
+of England, and a warm friend of American Independence. For this
+he was abused by Porcupine&mdash;and Denny is only Porcupine with a
+little more tinsel to cover his dirt. It is worthy of remark, that
+after a whole sheet of promises of "literary lore" and "products
+of the master of spirits" of the nation&mdash;the first and second
+numbers of the <i>Portable Foolery</i>, are stuffed with extracts from
+British publications of an ordinary quality.</p></div>
+
+<p>The attack of the Port Folio was most ungracious. It may have been due
+to irritation caused by the appearance of a second edition of
+Priestley's "Letters to the Inhabitants of Northumberland." Nevertheless
+the thoughtful and dignified men of the City&mdash;men who admired<!-- Page 144 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+Priestley's broad catholic spirit and brave attitude upon all debatable
+questions, men who appreciated his scientific attainments, invited him
+to the following subscription dinner, as announced in the <i>Aurora</i>,
+March, 6th:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>At 4 o'clock in the afternoon about one hundred citizens sat down
+to an elegant entertainment prepared by Mr. Francis to celebrate
+the commencement of the administration of Mr. Jefferson. The
+Governor honored the company with his presence. Several
+respectable Foreigners were invited to partake of the festival....
+A variety of patriotic songs were admirably sung; and the
+following toasts were drank with unanimous applause.</p>
+
+<p>1. The Governor of Pennsylvania</p>
+
+<p>2. Dr. Priestley: The Philosopher and Philanthropist....</p></div>
+
+<p>He was present and enjoyed himself, and sad must it have been to read on
+March 30th:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Some weeks ago, Dr. Priestley having caught cold by attending a
+meeting of the Philosophical Society on a wet evening, was taken
+ill of a violent inflammatory complaint which rendered his
+recovery for a long time dubi<!-- Page 145 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>ous. We announce with sincere
+pleasure the returning health of a man, whose life hath hitherto
+been sedulously and successfully devoted to the interests of
+mankind.</p></div>
+
+<p>He had, indeed, been very ill. The trouble was pleurisy. Dr. Rush was
+his physician. By his order the patient was bled profusely seven times.
+During this trying and doubtful period there came to him a cheery letter
+from President Jefferson who had only learned of his illness. Among
+other things the President wrote&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Yours is one of the few lives precious to mankind, and for the
+continuance of which every thinking man is solicitous. Bigots may
+be an exception.... But I have got into a long disquisition on
+politics when I only meant to express my sympathy in the state of
+your health, and to tender you all the affections of public and
+private hospitality. I should be very happy to see you here
+(Washington). I leave this about the 30th to return about the 25th
+of April. If you do not leave Philadelphia before that, a little
+excursion hither would help your health. I should be much
+gratified with the possession of a guest I so much<!-- Page 146 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> esteem, and
+should claim a right to lodge you, should you make such an
+excursion.</p></div>
+
+<p>But Priestley journeyed homeward on April 13th, and en route wrote the
+following letter, addressed to John Vaughan, Esq. 179 Walnut Street,
+Philadelphia, Pa.:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-date"><p>
+April 17, 1801<br />
+Reading, Friday Evening</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Dear Sir,
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I have the pleasure to inform you, agreeably to your kind request,
+that we are safely arrived at this place, my daughter better than
+when we left Philadelphia, and as to myself, I feel just as well,
+and as able to bear any fatigue, as before my late illness. This,
+however, will always remind me of your friendly attentions, and
+those of your sister, if a thousand and other circumstances did
+not do the same, and of them all I hope I shall ever retain a
+grateful remembrance.</p>
+
+<p>Along the whole road I am struck with the marks of an astonishing
+degree of improvement since I came this way four years ago. I do
+not think that any part of England is better cultivated, and at
+present the wheat is in a very promising state.<!-- Page 147 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> I wish we may
+hear of that of England promising as well. Three years of such a
+scarcity is more than any country could bear, and you will believe
+me when I say that, if it was in my power, I would guard it not
+only from famine, but from every other calamity.</p>
+
+<p>With my daughter's kindest remembrance, I am, as ever</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-signoff"><p>
+Dear Sir</p></div>
+<div class="blockquot-letter-signoff"><p>Yours sincerely,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5%">J. PRIESTLEY.</span><a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Resuming his correspondence with his numerous friends in England, he
+said:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>My chief resource is my daily occupation.</p></div>
+
+<p>He also wrote Dr. Rush his thanks for having advised him to read Noah
+Webster's <i>Pestilential Disorders</i> which follow the appearance of
+meteors and earthquakes, taking occasion also to excuse his opposition
+to blood-letting,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 148 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p>I believe that I owe my life to your judicious direction of it. I
+shall never forget your so readily forgiving my suspicion, and my
+requesting the concurrence of Dr. Wistar after the third bleeding.
+It was his opinion as well as yours and Dr. Caldwell's, that my
+disorder required several more; and the completeness of my cure,
+and the speediness of my recovery, prove that you were right. In
+the future I shall never be afraid of the lancet when so
+judiciously directed.</p></div>
+
+<p>To Rush he confided his doubts about his paper on Dreams. He cannot
+account for them, hence he has offered merely an hypothesis, and
+continues&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I frequently think with much pleasure and regret on the many happy
+hours I spent in your company, and wish we were not at so great
+distance. Such society would be the value of life to me. But I
+must acquiesce in what a wise providence has appointed.</p></div>
+
+<p>His friends continued sending him books. And how joyously he received
+them. At times he would mention special works, as for example,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Please to add Gate's Answer to Wall, and Wall's Reply; Sir John
+Pringle's Discourses<!-- Page 149 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> and Life by Dr. Kippis; Chandler's Life of
+King David; Colin Milne's Botanical Dictionary, Botanic Dialogues,
+and other books of Natural History; Kirwan's Analysis of Mineral
+Waters; Crosby's History of English Baptists.</p></div>
+
+<p>In one of his letters he observed&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A person must be in my situation ... to judge of my feelings when
+I receive new books.</p></div>
+
+<p>Strangely enough a <i>box</i> of books was sent him to Carlisle (Pa.) and had
+been there for two years before he learned of it.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps a word more may be allowed in regard to the paper on
+<i>Pestilential Disorders</i> by Noah Webster. This was the lexicographer.
+Priestley thought the work curious and important, but the philosophy in
+it wild and absurd in the extreme. And of Rush he asks&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Pray is he (Webster) a believer in revelation or not? I find
+several atheists catch at everything favourable to the doctrine of
+<i>equivocal generation</i>; but it must be reprobated by all who are
+not.</p></div><p><!-- Page 150 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Chemists will be glad to hear that</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The annual expense of my laboratory will hardly exceed 50 pounds,
+and I think I may have done more in proportion to my expenses than
+any other man. What I have done here, and with little expense,
+will in time be thought very considerable; but on account of the
+almost universal reception of the new theory, what I do is not, at
+present, attended to; but Mr. Watt and Mr. Kier, as good chemists
+as any in Europe, approve of my tract on <i>Phlogiston</i>, and truth
+will in time prevail over any error.</p></div>
+
+<p>And to another he said,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Having had great success in my experiments in this country ... I
+shall never desert philosophy.</p></div>
+
+<p>The following year (1802) had several points of interest in connection
+with the good Doctor; for one, who has followed his career thus far,
+will wish to call him that.</p>
+
+<p>Communications from the home country and from France, while not so
+numerous, were yet full of interesting news. His friend Belsham<!-- Page 151 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> brought
+out his Elements of Philosophy of the Mind, and although Priestley paid
+it a most gracious tribute he did not hesitate to suggest alterations
+and additions of various kinds. His dearest friend Lindsey fell
+seriously ill this year. This gave him inexpressible anxiety and grief.
+As soon as Lindsey was, in a measure, restored the fraternal
+correspondence was resumed.</p>
+
+<p>Much time was given by the Doctor to reading and preparing for the press
+the volumes of his <i>Church History</i> and <i>Notes on the Scriptures</i>. The
+printing was to be done in Northumberland. Some doubt was entertained as
+to whether he would have funds sufficient to pay for the publication,
+and when the urgent letters from friends tempted him to undertake a
+European trip he generally replied that he was too far advanced in life,
+that the general debility produced by pernicious ague rendered him unfit
+for extended travel, and then he offset the disappointment by saying
+that the expense of the voyage would more than suffice for the printing
+of one of his proposed four volumes of the <i>Church History</i>. This was a
+most complete, interesting and instructive work. Even today one profits
+by its perusal and an immense fund of worthwhile information and
+knowledge may be derived from even a cursory study of his <i>Notes on the
+Scriptures</i>.<!-- Page 152 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The monotony of village life was broken by occasional letters from
+President Jefferson. These were most affectionate and also illuminating
+on national matters. Copies of these were sent to English friends with
+the injunction not to show them or permit them to fall into other hands.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Thomas Cooper was not with Priestley in this year (1802), being
+detained at Lancaster where the Assembly sat. Naturally Cooper made
+himself conspicuous, and Priestley prophesied a great future for him,
+providing that the jealousy entertained for foreigners did not prove too
+serious an obstacle.</p>
+
+<p>Priestley took much pleasure at this period in his garden, and wrote,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Plants, as well as other objects, engage more of my attention than
+they ever did before.... I wish I knew a little more botany; but
+old, as I am, I learn something new continually.</p></div>
+
+<p>Now and then he mentions a considerable degree of deafness, and sent to
+Philadelphia for a speaking trumpet, but cheerily adds,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I am, however, thankful that my eyes do not fail me.</p></div><p><!-- Page 153 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Here and there occur plaints like these:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Though my philosophical labours are nearly over, I am glad to hear
+what is passing in that region in which I once moved, though what
+I then did seems for the present to be overlooked and forgotten. I
+am confident, however, as much as I can be of anything, that
+notwithstanding the almost universal reception of the new theory,
+which is the cause of it, it is purely chimerical, and cannot keep
+its ground after a sufficient scrutiny, which may be deferred, but
+which must take place in time. I am glad to find that Mr.
+Cruikshank in England, as well as chemists in France, begin to
+attend to my objections, though the principal of them have been
+published many years; but, as you say, many will not read, and
+therefore they cannot know anything that makes against the
+opinions they have once adopted. Bigotry is not confined to
+theology.</p></div>
+
+<p>The experimental work for the year was not very great. Probably this was
+the result of his general physical weakness and in part it was due to
+his preoccupation with literary labours. How<!-- Page 154 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>ever, he did write out his
+results, obtained on heating "finery cinders and charcoal" and thus
+emphasized the gaseous product of which he observes&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It cannot be denied, however, that this gaseous oxyd of carbon
+(CO) is <i>inflammable</i> ... and is essentially different from all
+other oxyds, none of which are combustible.</p></div>
+
+<p>Along in the month of November he wrote a vigorous protest against
+Cruikshank's explanation of the mode of formation of carbon monoxide. In
+this polemic he of course threw into prominence his precious phlogiston,
+the presence of which seemed unnecessary&mdash;but this was not so thought by
+the Doctor, who also favored the <i>Medical Repository</i> with observations
+on the conversion of iron into steel, in which there is but a single
+reference to phlogiston, but unfortunately this single reference spoils
+the general argument and the correct and evident interpretation of the
+reaction. It reads as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Iron is convertible into steel by imbibing only <i>phlogiston</i> from
+the charcoal with which it is cemented.</p></div><p><!-- Page 155 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There are abundant correct observations. Their interpretation sadly
+enough is very false, all because of the persistent introduction of
+phlogiston where it was not essential.</p>
+
+<p>Priestley advised Rush that because of an unhealthy season he had
+suffered very much from ague, and said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Tho' I was never robust, I hardly knew what sickness was before my
+seizure in Philadelphia, but the old building has since that had
+so many shocks, that I am apprehensive it will ere long give way.
+But I have abundant reason to be satisfied, and shall retire from
+life <i>conviva satur</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>Devotion to work was on the part of Priestley, something marvelous. As
+his son and daughter-in-law were drawn to Philadelphia in February,
+1803, they carried their father with them. He was rather indisposed to
+this, yet he disliked remaining alone at home notwithstanding the
+printing of the Church History required considerable personal attention.
+The marvelous part of it all was that while in Philadelphia, on this his
+fourth and last visit, while he fraternized with congenial souls and
+even presented himself at various social functions, he yet found leisure
+to print his little volume entitled "Socrates and Jesus Compared,"<!-- Page 156 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
+which gave much pleasure to President Jefferson, so much indeed that he
+hoped Priestley would,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>take up the subject on a more extended scale, and show that Jesus
+was truly the most innocent, most benevolent, the most eloquent
+and sublime character that has ever been exhibited to man.</p></div>
+
+<p>Jefferson's genuine approval of his effort was balm to Priestley's soul.
+He, of course, wrote Lindsey and Belsham about it; yes, copied the
+letter of Jefferson and sent the same to them with the comment,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>He is generally considered as an unbeliever. If so, however, he
+cannot be far from us, and I hope in the way to be not only
+<i>almost</i>, but <i>altogether</i> what we are.</p></div>
+
+<p>It was February 28, 1803, that the august members of the American
+Philosophical Society resolved:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>That this Society will dine together on Saturday next, and that J.
+B. Smith, Wistar, Williams, Hewson &amp; Vaughan be a Committee to
+make the necessary arrangements for that purpose and to request
+Dr. Priestley's company, informing him that<!-- Page 157 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> the Society are
+induced to make the request from their high respect for his
+Philosophical Labours &amp; discoveries, &amp; to enjoy the more
+particular pleasure of a social meeting&mdash;The Dinner to be prepared
+at the City Tavern or Farmer's Hotel.</p></div>
+
+<p>It was this resolution which caused notices, such as the following to go
+out to the distinguished membership of the venerable Society&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Philadelphia, March 2, 1803</p>
+
+<p>Sir: You are hereby invited to join the other members of the
+American Philosophical Society, in giving a testimony of respect,
+to their venerable associate Dr. Joseph Priestley, who dines with
+them on Saturday next at Francis' Hotel&mdash;Dinner on table at 3
+o'clock.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>
+<span style="margin-left:50%">C. Wistar</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left:50%">J. Williams</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left:50%">J.&nbsp;R. Smith</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left:50%">T.&nbsp;T. Hewson</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left:50%">J. Vaughan</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left:55%">Committee</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>An answer will be called for tomorrow morning.</p>
+<p>DR. RUSH</p></div><p><!-- Page 158 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was a very dignified and brilliant company. Law, medicine, theology,
+science, commerce represented by very worthy and excellent gentlemen.
+And, among them sat the modest, unassuming, versatile Priestley. That he
+was happy in his surroundings there is ample reason to believe. He loved
+to be among men. He, too, was appreciated and eagerly sought because of
+his winning ways, his tolerance and liberality. He was moderately
+convivial though</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>He said that one glass of wine at dinner was enough for an old
+man, but he did not prescribe his own practice as an universal
+rule.</p></div>
+
+<p>About eight weeks were spent in the City. On return to the dear country
+home the doctor took up his various duties and burdens, but the
+infirmities of age were often alluded to by him, and they no doubt
+delayed all of his work, which was further aggravated by a dangerous
+fall on his left hip and strain of the muscles of the thigh. He was
+extremely lame and for some time went about on crutches, which held him
+out of his laboratory. To him this was very trying. But he persisted. He
+was truly a splendid example for the younger aspirants for scientific
+honors. During the year<!-- Page 159 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> he entered on a controversial article with his
+old friend Erasmus Darwin upon the subject of <i>spontaneous combustion</i>,
+and subsequently communicated to the <i>Medical Repository</i> an account of
+the conversion of salt into nitre. He had positive knowledge of this
+fact for quite a little while, and upon the occasion of a visit by Dr.
+Wistar, told the latter concerning this with the request that no mention
+be made of it, evidently that he might have opportunity for additional
+confirmation. However, very unexpectedly, Dr. Mitchill published
+something of a similar character, therefore Priestley believing that he
+ought "to acquaint experimentalists in general with all that I know of
+the matter," announced that in 1799 when experimenting on the formation
+of air from water,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>having made use of the same salt, mixed with snow, in every
+experiment, always evaporating the mixture the salt was recovered
+dry. I collected the salt when I had done with it, and put it into
+a glass bottle, with a label expressing what it was, and what use
+had been made of it.</p></div>
+
+<p>Subsequently he treated this salt, after many applications of it, with
+sulphuric acid, when he remarked<!-- Page 160 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I was soon surprized to observe that <i>red vapours</i> rose from it.</p></div>
+
+<p>An examination of another portion of the salt showed&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>that when it was thrown upon hot coals ... it burned exactly like
+nitre.</p></div>
+
+<p>So it was a conversion of sodium chloride into sodium nitrate. That this
+change must have come from the <i>snow</i> with which it had been dissolved,
+could not be doubted, and he further observed&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Now in the upper regions of the atmosphere ... there may be a
+redundancy of inflammable air ... and a proportion of
+dephlogisticated air. In that region there are many electrical
+appearances, as the <i>aurora borealis</i>, falling stars &#38;c; in the
+lower parts of it thunder and lightening, and by these means the
+two kinds of air may be decomposed, and a highly dephlogisticated
+nitrous acid, as mine always was, produced. This being formed,
+will of course, attach itself to any <i>snow</i> or <i>hail</i> that may be
+forming ... confirm<!-- Page 161 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>ing in this unexpected manner, the vulgar
+opinion of nitre being contained in snow.</p></div>
+
+<p>This seems to be the last communication of this character which came
+from the Doctor's pen.</p>
+
+<p>He was in despair relative to the academy which had ever been his hope
+for the College which in his early years in Northumberland he prayed
+might arise and in which he would be at liberty to particularly impart
+his Unitarian doctrines.</p>
+
+<p>An interesting item relative to the Academy appeared in the <i>Aurora</i> for
+April 1st, 1803. It shows that State aid for education was sought in
+those early days. It is a report, and reads&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A REPORT of the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of
+Thomas Cooper, on behalf of the Northumberland Academy, praying
+<ins class="correction" title="original: 'lesiglative'">legislative</ins> aid. The report states that Thomas Cooper appeared
+before the Committee and stated that upward of $4000 had been
+expended on the building appropriated to that institution. That
+the debts due thereon amounted in the whole to near $2000. That
+Dr. Joseph Priestley had the power of disposing of a very valuable
+library consisting of near<!-- Page 162 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> 4000 volumes of scarce and well chosen
+books in various branches of literature and science, to any public
+seminary of learning in the United States, which library, the said
+Dr. Priestley was desirous of procuring as a gift to the
+Northumberland Academy, provided that institution was likely to
+receive substantial assistance from the legislature, so as to be
+enabled to fulfil the purposes of its establishment,</p>
+
+<p>That the Trustees would have no occasion to ask of the legislature
+on behalf of that Academy, a subscription greater than a few
+individuals had expended, and were still ready and desirous of
+contributing thereto; and suggest it to your Committee, that if
+out of the monies due from the County of Northumberland to the
+State a sufficient sum was granted to exonerate the Academy from
+debt, no more would be wanted in the future to effect the purposes
+of that institution, than a sum equal in amount to the value of
+the library proposed to be furnished by Dr. Priestley; such value
+to be fixed by a person appointed for the purpose by the
+legislature.</p>
+
+<p>The Committee was of the opinion that it would be expedient for
+the legislature to<!-- Page 163 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> coincide with the suggestion of Thomas Cooper
+and so recommended to the Legislature. Their report was adopted,
+39 to 31. It was strongly advocated by Jesse Moore, Esq., General
+Mitchell and N. Ferguson from the city. It was opposed by Jacob
+Alter from Cumberland, who declared that although there were a
+great many public schools and colleges and places of that kind
+scattered over the State, he never knew any good they did, except
+to breed up a set of idle and odious lawyers to plague the people!</p></div>
+
+<p>At this particular time there still existed confiscated land from the
+sale of which revenue was derived, and this income it had been agreed
+upon should be devoted to the erection and support of academies
+throughout the State. Later this scheme was discontinued. But, Dr.
+Priestley was not so enthusiastic as formerly. He was occupied with the
+Church History, three volumes of which were in print, and it was
+expected that the fourth volume would follow shortly thereafter.
+However, his health was precarious. He could not eat meats, and lived
+chiefly on broths and soups, saying,<!-- Page 164 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The defect is in the stomach and liver, and of no common kind. If
+I hold out till I have finished what I have now on hand, I shall
+retire from the scene, satisfied and thankful.</p></div>
+
+<p>This was written in August, and the Doctor stuck bravely to his literary
+labors. A few months later he wrote Lindsey,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I really do not expect to survive you.</p></div>
+
+<p>Yet, he also entertained the thought that he might,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-lc"><p>assist in the publication of a whole Bible, from the several
+translations of particular books, smoothing and correcting them
+where I can.</p></div>
+
+<p>January of 1804 brought him many interesting, splendid and valuable
+books from friends in London. He was overjoyed on their arrival.
+Promptly he gave himself to their perusal because his deafness confined
+him to home and his extreme weakness forbade any excursions. Then the
+winter kept him from his laboratory, and his sole occupation was reading
+and writing. He entertained a variety of plans, proceeding with<!-- Page 165 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> some
+but in the midst of these tasks of love&mdash;in the very act of correcting
+proof, he quietly breathed his last! It was Monday, February 6, 1804,
+that Thomas Cooper, the devoted friend of Priestley, wrote Benjamin
+Rush:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot-letter"><p>Dear Sir:</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Mr. Joseph Priestley is not at present in spirits to write to his
+friends, and it falls to my lot therefore to acquaint you that Dr.
+Priestley died this morning about 11 o'clock without the slightest
+degree of apparent pain. He had for some time previous foreseen
+his dissolution, but he kept up to the last his habitual
+composure, cheerfulness and kindness. He would have been 71 the
+24th of next month. For about a fortnight there were symptoms of
+dropsy owing to general debility: about two days before his death,
+these symptoms disappeared, and a troublesome cough came on
+perhaps from a translation to the chest.</p>
+
+<p>Yesterday he had strength enough to look over a revise of the
+<i>Annotations</i> he was publishing on the Old and New Testament, and
+this morning he dictated in good language some notices which he
+wished his son Mr. Priestley to add to his unpublished<!-- Page 166 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> works. I
+am sure you will sincerely regret the decease of a man so highly
+eminent and useful in the literary and philosophical world, and so
+much presumably your friend.</p></div>
+
+<p>Yes, the valiant old champion of a lost cause was no more. Two days
+before his death "he went to his laboratory"&mdash;but, finding his weakness
+too great, with difficulty returned to his room. Loyal to his science to
+the very end!</p>
+
+<p>To American chemists he appeals strongly because of his persistent
+efforts in research. His coming to this country aroused a real interest
+in the science which has not waned in the <ins class="correction" title="original: 'slighest'">slightest</ins> since his demise.</p>
+
+<p>When the sad news reached the Hall of the American Philosophical
+Society, Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton was chosen to eulogize Priestley.
+This notable event took place on January 3rd, 1805. The <i>Aurora</i>
+reported:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton, one of the vice-presidents of the
+American Philosophical Society, having been previously appointed
+by the society to deliver an eulogium to the memory of their late
+associate, Dr. Joseph Priestley, the same was accordingly
+de<!-- Page 167 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>livered in the First Presbyterian Church in this city, on
+Thursday the 3rd inst. before the society, who went in a body from
+their hall to the church, preceded by their patron, the governor
+of the state. Invitations were given on this occasion to the Revd.
+Clergy of the city; the college of Physicians; the Medical
+Society; the gentlemen of the Bar, with the students at Law; the
+trustees and faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, with their
+students in the Arts and in Medicine; the judges and officers of
+the federal and state Courts; the foreign ministers and other
+public characters then in the city; the mayor; aldermen and city
+councils: the trustees and session of the First Presbyterian
+Church; the directors of the City Library; the directors and
+Physicians of the Pennsylvania Hospital, of the Alms House, and of
+the Dispensary; the proprietor and Director of the Philadelphia
+Museum; and the contributors towards the Cabinet and Library of
+the Society. After the conclusion of a very interesting eulogium,
+the society returned their thanks to the orator, and requested a
+copy for the purpose of publication.</p></div><p><!-- Page 168 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>One's curiosity is quickened on thinking what Barton said in his
+address. Search in many directions failed to bring forth the Eulogium.
+It had been ordered to be printed in the Transactions of the Society.
+This was never done. But there was a minute (seven years later) in the
+meeting of the Society (Nov. 6, 1812) to the effect that</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Dr. Barton's request for permission to withdraw it (Eulogium) to
+be enlarged and published separately was referred for
+consideration to the next meeting.</p></div>
+
+<p>The request was granted at the next meeting, but nowhere among Barton's
+literary remains was the precious document to be found. Lost very
+probably&mdash;when it might have revealed so much.</p>
+
+<p>Priestley's death was deeply mourned throughout the land. The public
+prints brought full and elaborate accounts of his life, and touching
+allusions to the fullness of his brilliant career. Such expressions as
+these were heard,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>As a metaphysician he stands foremost among those who have
+attempted the investigation of its abstruse controversies.</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>As a politician he assiduously and successfully<!-- Page 169 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> laboured to
+extend and illustrate those general principles of civil liberty
+which are happily the foundation of the Constitution of his
+adopted Country,&mdash;</p></div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>His profound attention to the belles-lettres, and to the other
+departments of general literature, has been successfully
+exemplified among his other writings, by his lectures on oratory
+and criticism, and on general history and policy,&mdash;</p></div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Of the most important and fashionable study of <i>Pneumatic
+Chemistry</i> he may fairly be said to be the father.</p></div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>He was a man of restless activity, but he <ins class="correction" title="original: 'uniformily'">uniformly</ins> directed that
+activity to what seemed to him the public good, seeking neither
+emolument nor honour from men. Dr. Priestley was possessed of
+great ardour and vivacity of intellect.... His integrity was
+unimpeachable; and even malice itself could not fix a stain on his
+private character.</p></div>
+
+<p>And what a splendid tribute is contained in the following passages from
+Cuvier:<!-- Page 170 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Priestley, loaded with glory, was modest enough to be astonished
+at his good fortune, and at the multitude of beautiful facts,
+which nature seemed to have revealed to him alone. He forgot that
+her favours were not gratuitous, and if she had so well explained
+herself, it was because he had known how to oblige her to do so by
+his indefatigable perseverance in questioning her, and by the
+thousand ingenious means he had taken to snatch her answers from
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Others carefully hide that which they owe to chance; Priestley
+seemed to wish to ascribe all his merit to fortuitous
+circumstances, remarking, with unexampled candour, how many times
+he had profited by them, without knowing it, how many times he was
+in possession of new substances without having perceived them; and
+he never dissimulated the erroneous views which sometimes directed
+his efforts, and from which he was only undeceived by experience.
+These confessions did honour to his modesty, without disarming
+jealousy. Those to whom their own ways and methods had never
+discovered anything called him a simple worker of experiments,
+without method and without an<!-- Page 171 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> object "it is not astonishing,"
+they added, "that among so many trials and combinations, he should
+find some that were fortunate." But real natural philosophers were
+not duped by these selfish criticisms.</p></div>
+
+<p>Many encomiums like the preceding&mdash;yes, a thousandfold&mdash;could easily be
+gathered if necessary to show the regard and confidence held for this
+remarkable man to whom America is truly very deeply indebted.</p>
+
+<p>Some years ago the writer paid a visit to the God's Acre of
+Northumberland. He arrived after dark and was conveyed to the sacred
+place in an automobile. Soon the car stopped. Its headlights illuminated
+the upright flat stone which marked the last resting place of the great
+chemist, and in that light not only was the name of the sleeper clearly
+read but the less distinct but legible epitaph:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt
+bountifully with thee. I will lay me down in peace and sleep till
+I wake in the morning of the resurrection.</p></div>
+
+<p>Pondering on these lines there slowly returned to mind the words of
+Franklin's epitaph,<!-- Page 172 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>&mdash;Franklin, who, years before, had encouraged and
+aided the noble exile, who was ever mindful of the former's goodness to
+him:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">The Body</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;">of</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Benjamin Franklin</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">Printer</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">(Like the cover of an old book</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Its contents torn out</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And stript of its lettering and gilding)</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Lies here food for Worms</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the work shall not be lost</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For it will (as he believed) appear</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">once more</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In a new and more elegant Edition</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Revised and corrected</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;">by</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">The Author</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And then, by some strange mental reaction, there floated before the
+writer the paragraph uttered by Professor Huxley, when in 1874 a statue
+to Priestley was unveiled in the City of Birmingham:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Our purpose is to do honour ... to Priestley the peerless defender
+of national<!-- Page 173 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> freedom in thought and in action; to Priestley the
+philosophical thinker; to that Priestley who held a foremost place
+among the 'swift runners who hand over the lamp of life,' and
+transmit from one generation to another the fire kindled, in the
+childhood of the world, at the Promethean altar of science.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Chemistry in Old Philadelphia, J.&nbsp;B. Lippincott Co.,
+Phila., Pa.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Correspondence of Priestley by H.&nbsp;C. Bolton, New York,
+1892.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Mr. Berthollet discovered that oxygenated muriatic gas,
+received in a ley of caustic potash, forms a chrystallizable neutral
+salt, which detonates more strongly than nitre.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Nine Famous Birmingham Men&mdash;Cornish Brothers, Publishers,
+1909.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> James Woodhouse&mdash;A Pioneer in Chemistry&mdash;J.&nbsp;C. Winston Co.,
+Phila.&mdash;1918.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> James Woodhouse&mdash;A pioneer in Chemistry&mdash;J.&nbsp;C. <ins class="correction" title="original: 'Wintson'">Winston</ins> Co.,
+Phila.&mdash;1918.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> See <i>Chemistry in America</i>, Appleton &amp; Co. and <i>Chemistry
+in Old Philadelphia</i>, The J.&nbsp;B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, Pa.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> The original of this letter is now the property of Dr. C.
+A. Browne, New York. He graciously permitted it to be inserted here.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="bbox">
+<h3>Transcriber's note:</h3>
+
+<p>A few inconsistencies in the layout and formatting of the book have been corrected (an
+extra blank line in a quoted paragraph, for example). Most notably, the
+"Hints Concerning Public Education" is an essay by Priestley quoted
+verbatim in the text. The original layout did not make a clear
+distinction between Smith's text and this quoted essay; I have
+remedied this with an indent for that section.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Priestley in America, by Edgar F. Smith
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA ***
+
+***** This file should be named 20751-h.htm or 20751-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/7/5/20751/
+
+Produced by Hilary Caws-Elwitt, in honor of Peter James
+Caws and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/20751-page-images.zip b/20751-page-images.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9dbad88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/20751-page-images.zip
diff --git a/20751.txt b/20751.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a1d67fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/20751.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4262 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Priestley in America, by Edgar F. Smith
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Priestley in America
+       1794-1804
+
+Author: Edgar F. Smith
+
+Release Date: March 6, 2007 [EBook #20751]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Hilary Caws-Elwitt, in honor of Peter James
+Caws and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+        PRIESTLEY
+
+           IN
+
+        AMERICA
+
+       1794-1804
+
+
+
+           BY
+     EDGAR F. SMITH
+UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
+
+
+
+       PHILADELPHIA
+ P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO.
+    1012 WALNUT STREET
+
+
+
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO.
+
+          THE MAPLE PRESS YORK PA
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+The writer, in studying the lives of early American chemists,
+encountered the name of _Joseph Priestley_ so frequently, that he
+concluded to institute a search with the view of learning as much as
+possible of the life and activities, during his exile in this country,
+of the man whom chemists everywhere deeply revere. Recourse, therefore,
+was had to contemporary newspapers, documents and books, and the
+resulting material woven into the sketch given in the appended pages. If
+nothing more, it may be, perhaps, a connecting chapter for any future
+history of chemistry in America. Its preparation has been a genuine
+pleasure, which, it is hoped by him whose hand guided the pen, will be
+shared by his fellow chemists, and all who are interested in the growth
+and development of science in this country.
+
+
+
+
+PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA
+
+
+There lies before the writer a tube of glass, eleven and one half inches
+in length and a quarter of an inch in diameter. Its walls are thin. At
+one end there is evidence that an effort was made to bend this tube in
+the flame. Ordinarily it would be tossed aside; but this particular tube
+was given the writer years ago by a great-grandson of Joseph Priestley.
+Attached to the tube is a bit of paper upon which appear the words
+"piece of tubing used by Priestley." That legend has made the tube
+precious in the heart and to the eye of the writer. Everything relating
+to this wonderful figure in science, history, religion, politics and
+philosophy is very dear to him. On all sides of him are relics and
+reminders of Priestley. Not all, but many of his publications are near
+at hand. After perusal of these at various times, and while reading the
+many life sketches of Priestley, there has come the desire to know more
+about his activities during the decade (1794-1804) he lived in America.
+Isn't it fair to declare that the great majority of chemical students
+think of Priestley as working only in England, his native land, and
+never give thought to his efforts during the last ten years of his life?
+It has been said that he probably inspired and incited the young
+chemists of this country to renewed endeavor in their science upon his
+advent here. There is no question that he influenced James Woodhouse and
+his particular confreres most profoundly, as he did a younger
+generation, represented by Robert Hare. Priestley again set in rapid
+motion chemical research in the young Republic.[1] He must therefore
+have done something himself. What was it? Is it worth while to learn the
+character of this work? Modern tendencies are antagonistic to the past.
+Many persons care nothing for history. It is a closed book. They do not
+wish it to be opened, and yet the present is built upon the early work.
+In reviewing the development of chemistry in this country everything,
+from the first happening here, should be laid upon the table for study
+and reflection. Thus believing, it will not be out of place to seek some
+light upon the occupation of the discoverer of oxygen after he came to
+live among us--with our fathers.
+
+Noble-hearted, sympathetic Thomas E. Thorpe wrote:
+
+    If, too, as you draw up to the fire 'betwixt the gloaming and the
+      mirk' of these dull, cold November days, and note the little blue
+      flame playing round the red-hot coals, think kindly of Priestley,
+      for he first told us of the nature of that flame when in the exile
+      to which our forefathers drove him.
+
+Right there, "the nature of the flame," is one thing Priestley did
+explain in America. He discovered carbon monoxide--not in England, but
+in "exile."[2] It may not be an epoch-making observation. There are not
+many such and those who make them are not legion in number. It was an
+interesting fact, with a very definite value, which has persisted
+through many succeeding decades and is so matter-of-fact that rarely
+does one arise to ask who first discovered this simple oxide of carbon.
+
+Priestley was a man of strong human sympathies. He loved to mingle with
+men and exchange thoughts. Furthermore, Priestley was a minister--a
+preacher. He was ordained while at Warrington, and gloried in the fact
+that he was a Dissenting Minister. It was not his devotion to science
+which sent him "into exile." His advanced thought along political and
+religious lines, his unequivocal utterances on such subjects,--proved
+to be the rock upon which he shipwrecked. It has been said--
+
+    By some strange irony of fate this man, who was by nature one of
+      the most peaceable and peace-loving of men, singularly calm and
+      dispassionate, not prone to disputation or given to wrangling,
+      acquired the reputation of being perhaps the most cantankerous man
+      of his time....
+
+There is a wide-spread impression that Priestley was a chemist. This is
+the answer which invariably comes from the lips of students upon being
+interrogated concerning him. The truth is that Priestley's attention was
+only turned to chemistry when in the thirties by Matthew Turner, who
+lectured on this subject in the Warrington Academy in which Priestley
+labored as a teacher. So he was rather advanced in life before the
+science he enriched was revealed to him in the experimental way. Let it
+again be declared, he was a teacher. His thoughts were mostly those of a
+teacher. Education occupied him. He wrote upon it. The old Warrington
+Academy was a "hot-bed of liberal dissent," and there were few subjects
+upon which he did not publicly declare himself as a dissenter.
+
+He learned to know our own delightful Franklin in one of his visits to
+London. Franklin was then sixty years of age, while Priestley was little
+more than half his age. A warm friendship immediately sprang up. It
+reacted powerfully upon Priestley's work as "a political thinker and as
+a natural philosopher." In short, Franklin "made Priestley into a man of
+science." This intimacy between these remarkable men should not escape
+American students. Recall that positively fascinating letter (1788) from
+Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, in which occur these words:
+
+    Remember me affectionately ... to the honest heretic Dr.
+      Priestley. I do not call him honest by way of distinction, for I
+      think all the heretics I have known have been virtuous men. They
+      have the virtue of Fortitude, or they would not venture to own
+      their heresy; and they cannot afford to be deficient in any of the
+      other virtues, as that would give advantage to their many
+      enemies.... Do not however mistake me. It is not to my good
+      friend's heresy that I impute his honesty. On the contrary 'tis
+      his honesty that has brought upon him the character of heretic.
+
+Much of Priestley's thought was given to religious matters. In Leeds he
+acknowledged himself a _humanitarian_, or
+
+      a believer in the doctrine that Jesus Christ was in nature solely
+      and truly a man, however highly exalted by God.
+
+His home in Leeds adjoined a "public brew house." He there amused
+himself with experiments on carbon dioxide (fixed air). Step by step he
+became strongly attracted to experimentation. His means, however,
+forbade the purchase of apparatus and he was obliged to devise the same
+and also to think out his own methods of attack. Naturally, his
+apparatus was simple. He loved to repeat experiments, thus insuring
+their accuracy.
+
+In 1772 he published his first paper on Pneumatic Chemistry. It told of
+the impregnation of water with carbon dioxide. It attracted attention
+and was translated into French. This soda-water paper won for Priestley
+the Copley medal (1773). While thus signally honored he continued
+publishing views on theology and metaphysics. These made a considerable
+uproar.
+
+Then came the memorable year of 1774--the birth-year of oxygen. How many
+chemists, with but two years in the science, have been so fortunate as
+to discover an element, better still probably the most important of all
+the elements! It was certainly a rare good fortune! It couldn't help but
+make him the observed among observers. This may have occasioned the hue
+and cry against his polemical essays on government and church to become
+more frequent and in some instances almost furious.
+
+It was now that he repaired to London. Here he had daily intercourse
+with Franklin, whose encouragement prompted him to go bravely forward in
+his adopted course.
+
+It was in 1780 that he took up his residence in Birmingham. This was
+done at the instance of his brother-in-law. The atmosphere was most
+congenial and friendly. Then, he was most desirous of resuming his
+ministerial duties; further, he would have near at hand good workmen to
+aid him in the preparation of apparatus for his philosophical pursuits.
+Best of all his friends were there, including those devoted to science.
+Faujar St. Fond, a French geologist has recorded a visit to Priestley--
+
+    Dr. Priestley received me with the greatest kindness.... The
+      building in which Dr. Priestley made his chemical and
+      philosophical experiments was detached from his house to avoid the
+      danger of fire. It consisted of several apartments on the ground
+      floor. Upon entering it we were struck with a simple and ingenious
+      apparatus for making experiments on inflammable gas extracted from
+      iron and water reduced to vapour.
+
+If, only, all the time of Dr. Priestley in Birmingham had been devoted
+to science, but alas, his "beloved theology" claimed much of it. He
+would enter into controversy--he would dissent, and the awful hour was
+advancing by leaps and bounds. The storm was approaching.
+
+It burst forth with fury in 1791. The houses of worship, in which he was
+wont to officiate, were the first to meet destruction, then followed his
+own house in which were assembled his literary treasures and the
+apparatus he had constructed and gathered with pains, sacrifice and
+extreme effort. Its demolition filled his very soul with deepest sorrow.
+Close at hand, the writer has a neat little chemical balance. It was
+brought to this country by Priestley, and tradition has it, that it was
+among the pieces of the celebrated collection of chemical utensils
+rescued from the hands of the infuriated mob which sought even the life
+of Priestley, who fortunately had been spirited or hidden away by loyal,
+devoted friends and admirers. In time he ventured forth into the open
+and journeyed to London, and when quiet was completely restored, he
+returned to one of his early fields of activity, but wisdom and the calm
+judgment of friends decided this as unwise. Through it all Priestley was
+quiet and philosophical, which is evident from the following story:
+
+    A friend called on him soon after the riots and condoled with him
+      for his loss in general, then mentioned the destruction of his
+      books as an object of particular regret. Priestley answered, "I
+      should have read my books to little purpose if they had not taught
+      me to bear the loss of them with composure and resignation."
+
+But the iron had entered his soul. He could not believe that in his own
+England any man would be treated as he had been treated. His country was
+dear to him. He prized it beyond expression, but he could not hope for
+the peace his heart craved. His family circle was broken, two of his
+sons having come to America, so in the end, deeply concerned for his
+life-companion's comfort, the decision to emigrate was reached, and
+their faces were turned to the West.
+
+In reviewing the history of chemistry the remark is frequently heard
+that one blotch on the fair escutcheon of French science was placed
+there when the remorseless guillotine ushered Lavoisier into eternity.
+Was not the British escutcheon of science dimmed when Priestley passed
+into exile? Priestley--who had wrought so splendidly! And yet we should
+not be too severe, for an illustrious name--Count Rumford--which should
+have been ours--was lost to us by influences not wholly unlike those
+which gained us Priestley. Benjamin Thompson, early in life abandoned a
+home and a country which his fellow citizens had made intolerable.
+
+Read Priestley's volumes on Air and on Natural Philosophy. They are
+classics. All conversant with their contents agree that the experimental
+work was marvelous. Priestley's discovery of oxygen was epoch-making,
+but does not represent all that he did. Twice he just escaped the
+discovery of nitrogen. One wonders how this occurred. He had it in hand.
+The other numerous observations made by him antedate his American life
+and need not be mentioned here. They alone would have given him a
+permanent and honorable rank in the history of chemistry. Students of
+the science should reserve judgment of Priestley until they have
+familiarized themselves with all his contributions, still accessible in
+early periodicals. When that has been done, the loss to English science,
+by Priestley's departure to another clime will be apparent.
+
+His dearest friends would have held him with them. Not every man's hand
+was against him--on the contrary, numerous were those, even among the
+opponents of his political and theological utterances, who hoped that he
+would not desert them. They regretted that he had--
+
+    turned his attention too much from the luminous field of
+      philosophic disquisition to the sterile regions of polemic
+      divinity, and the still more thorny paths of polemic politics....
+
+from which the hope was cherished that he would recede and devote all
+his might to philosophical pursuits.
+
+    A very considerable number ... of enlightened inhabitants,
+      convinced of his integrity as a man, sincerity as a preacher, and
+      superlative merit as a philosopher, were his strenuous advocates
+      and admirers.
+
+But the die had been cast, and to America he sailed on April 8, 1794, in
+the good ship _Sansom_, Capt. Smith, with a hundred others--his fellow
+passengers. Whilst on the seas his great protagonist Lavoisier met his
+death on the scaffold.
+
+    Such was the treatment bestowed upon the best of their citizens by
+      two nations which considered themselves as without exception the
+      most civilized and enlightened in the world!
+
+It is quite natural to query how the grand old scientist busied himself
+on this voyage of eight weeks and a day. The answer is found in his own
+words:
+
+    I read the whole of the Greek Testament, and the Hebrew bible as
+      far as the first Book of Samuel: also Ovid's Metamorphoses,
+      Buchanan's poems, Erasmus' Dialogues, also Peter Pindar's poems,
+      &c.... and to amuse myself I tried the heat of the water at
+      different depths, and made other observations, which suggest
+      various experiments, which I shall prosecute whenever I get my
+      apparatus at liberty.
+
+The Doctor was quite sea-sick, and at times sad, but uplifted when his
+eyes beheld the proofs of friendship among those he was leaving behind.
+Thus he must have smiled benignantly on beholding the
+
+      elegant Silver Inkstand, with the following inscription, presented
+      ... by three young Gentlemen of the University of Cambridge:
+
+        "To Joseph Priestley, LL.D. &c. on his departure into Exile,
+          from a few members of the University of Cambridge, who regret
+          that expression of their Esteem should be occasioned by the
+          ingratitude of their Country."
+
+And, surely, he must have taken renewed courage on perusing the
+valedictory message received from the Society of United Irishmen of
+Dublin:
+
+  Sir,
+
+    SUFFER a Society which has been caluminated as devoid of all sense
+      of religion, law or morality, to sympathize with one whom calumny
+      of a similar kind is about to drive from his native land, a land
+      which he has adorned and enlightened in almost every branch of
+      liberal literature, and of useful philosophy. The emigration of
+      Dr. Priestley will form a striking historical fact, by which
+      alone, future ages will learn to estimate truly the temper of the
+      present time. Your departure will not only give evidence of the
+      injury which philosophy and literature have received in your
+      person, but will prove the accumulation of petty disquietudes,
+      which has robbed your life of its zest and enjoyment, for, at your
+      age no one would willingly embark on such a voyage, and sure we
+      are, it was your wish and prayer to be buried in your native
+      country, which contains the dust of your old friends Saville,
+      Price, Jebb, and Fothergill. But be cheerful, dear Sir, you are
+      going to a happier world--the world of Washington and Franklin.
+
+    In idea, we accompany you. We stand near you while you are setting
+      sail. We watch your eyes that linger on the white cliffs and we
+      hear the patriarchal blessing which your soul pours out on the
+      land of your nativity, the aspiration that ascends to God for its
+      peace, its freedom and its prosperity. Again, do we participate in
+      your feelings on first beholding Nature in her noblest scenes and
+      grandest features, on finding man busied in rendering himself
+      worthy of Nature, but more than all, on contemplating with
+      philosophic prescience the coming period when those vast inland
+      seas shall be shadowed with sails, when the St. Lawrence and
+      Mississippi, shall stretch forth their arms to embrace the
+      continent in a great circle of interior navigation: when the
+      Pacific Ocean shall pour into the Atlantic; when man will become
+      more precious than fine gold, and when his ambition will be to
+      subdue the elements, not to subjugate his fellow-creatures, to
+      make fire, water, earth and air obey his bidding, but to leave the
+      poor ethereal mind as the sole thing in Nature free and
+      incoercible.
+
+    Happy indeed would it be were men in power to recollect this
+      quality of the human mind. Suffer us to give them an example from
+      a science of which you are a mighty master, that attempts to fix
+      the element of mind only increase its activity, and that to
+      calculate what may be from what has been is a very dangerous
+      deceit.--Were all the saltpetre in India monopolized, this would
+      only make chemical researches more ardent and successful. The
+      chalky earths would be searched for it, and nitre beds would be
+      made in every cellar and every stable. Did not that prove
+      sufficient the genius of chemistry would find in a new salt a
+      substitute for nitre or a power superior to it.[3] It requires
+      greater genius than Mr. Pitt seems to possess, to know the
+      wonderful resources of the mind, when patriotism animates
+      philosophy, and all the arts and sciences are put under a state of
+      requisition, when the attention of a whole scientific people is
+      bent to multiplying the means and instruments of destruction and
+      when philosophy rises in a mass to drive on the wedge of war. A
+      black powder has changed the military art, and in a great degree
+      the manners of mankind. Why may not the same science which
+      produced it, produce another powder which, inflamed under a
+      certain compression, might impell the air, so as to shake down the
+      strongest towers and scatter destruction.
+
+    But you are going to a country where science is turned to better
+      uses. Your change of place will give room for the matchless
+      activity of your genius; and you will take a sublime pleasure in
+      bestowing on Britain the benefit of your future discoveries. As
+      matter changes its form but not a particle is ever lost, so the
+      principles of virtuous minds are equally imperishable; and your
+      change of situation may even render truth more operative,
+      knowledge more productive, and in the event, liberty itself more
+      universal. Wafted by the winds or tossed by the waves, the seed
+      that is here thrown out as dead, there shoots up and flourishes.
+      It is probable that emigration to America from the first
+      settlement downward, has not only served the cause of general
+      liberty, but will eventually and circuitously serve it even in
+      Britain. What mighty events have arisen from that germ which might
+      once have been supposed to be lost forever in the woods of
+      America, but thrown upon the bosom of Nature, the breath of God
+      revived it, and the world hath gathered its fruits. Even Ireland
+      has contributed her share to the liberties of America; and while
+      purblind statesmen were happy to get rid of the stubborn
+      Presbyterians of the North, they little thought that they were
+      serving a good cause in another quarter.--Yes! the Volunteers of
+      Ireland still live--they live across the Atlantic. Let this idea
+      animate us in our sufferings, and may the pure principles and
+      genuine lustre of the British Constitution reflected from their
+      Coast, penetrate into ourselves and our dungeons.
+
+    Farewell--great and good man! Great by your mental powers, by your
+      multiplied literary labours, but still greater by those household
+      virtues which form the only solid security for public conduct by
+      those mild and gentle qualities, which far from being averse to,
+      are most frequently attended with severe and inflexible
+      patriotism, rising like an oak above a modest
+      mansion.--Farewell--but before you go, we beseech a portion of
+      your parting prayer to the author of Good for Archibald Hamilton
+      Rowan, the pupil of Jebb, our Brother, now suffering imprisonment,
+      and for all those who have suffered, and are about to suffer in
+      the same cause--the cause of impartial and adequate
+      representation--the cause of the Constitution. Pray to the best of
+      Beings for Muir, Palmer, Skirving, Margarott and Gerald, who are
+      now, or will shortly be crossing, like you, the bleak Ocean, to a
+      barbarous land!--Pray that they may be animated with the same
+      spirit, which in the days of their fathers, triumphed at the
+      stake, and shone in the midst of flames. Melancholy indeed, it is
+      that the mildest and most humane of all Religions should have been
+      so perverted as to hang or burn men in order to keep them of one
+      faith.
+
+    It is equally melancholy, that the most deservedly extolled of
+      Civil Constitutions, should recur to similar modes of coercion,
+      and that hanging and burning are not now employed, principally,
+      because measures apparently milder are considered as more
+      effectual. Farewell! Soon may you embrace your sons on the
+      American shore, and Washington take you by the hand, and the shade
+      of Franklin look down with calm delight on the first statesman of
+      the age extending his protection to its first philosopher.
+
+And how interestedly did America anticipate the arrival of the world
+renowned philosopher is in a measure foreshadowed by the following
+excerpt from the _American Daily Advertiser_ for Thursday, June 5, 1794:
+
+    Dr. Priestley, with about one hundred other passengers, are on
+      board the Sansom, which may be hourly expected.
+
+In an editorial of the same paper, printed about the same date, there
+appeared the following tribute:
+
+    It must afford the most sincere gratification to every well wisher
+      to the rights of man, that the United States of America, the land
+      of freedom and independence, has become the asylum of the greatest
+      characters of the present age, who have been persecuted in Europe,
+      merely because they have defended the rights of the enslaved
+      nations.
+
+    The name of Joseph Priestley will be long remembered among all
+      enlightened people; and there is no doubt that England will one
+      day regret her ungrateful treatment to this venerable and
+      illustrious man. His persecutions in England have presented to
+      him the American Republic as a safe and honourable retreat in his
+      declining years; and his arrival in this City calls upon us to
+      testify our respect and esteem for a man whose whole life has been
+      devoted to the sacred duty of diffusing knowledge and happiness
+      among nations.
+
+    The citizens of united America know well the honourable
+      distinction that is due to virtue and talents; and while they
+      cherish in their hearts the memory of Dr. Franklin, as a
+      philosopher, they will be proud to rank among the list of their
+      illustrious fellow citizens, the name of Dr. Priestley.
+
+Quietly but with great inward rejoicing were the travel-worn
+voyagers--the Doctor and his wife--received on the evening of June 4,
+1794, at the old Battery in New York, by their son Joseph and his wife,
+who had long awaited them, and now conducted them to a nearby lodging
+house, which had been the head-quarters of Generals Howe and Clinton.
+
+On the following morning the Priestleys were visited by Governor
+Clinton, Dr. Prevost, Bishop of New York and most of the principal
+merchants, and deputations of corporate bodies and Societies, bringing
+addresses of welcome. Thus, among the very first to present their
+sympathetic welcome was the Democratic Society of the City of New York,
+which in the address of its President, Mr. James Nicholson, made June 7,
+1794, said:
+
+  Sir,
+
+    WE are appointed by the Democratic Society of the City of New
+      York, a Committee to congratulate you on your arrival in this
+      country: And we feel the most lively pleasure in bidding you a
+      hearty welcome to these shores of Liberty and Equality.
+
+    While the arm of Tyranny is extended in most of the nations of the
+      world, to crush the spirit of liberty, and bind in chains the
+      bodies and minds of men, we acknowledge, with ardent gratitude to
+      the Great Parent of the Universe, our singular felicity in living
+      in a land, where Reason has successfully triumphed over the
+      artificial distinctions of European policy and bigotry, and where
+      the law equally protects the virtuous citizen of every description
+      and persuasion.
+
+    On this occasion we cannot but observe, that we once esteemed
+      ourselves happy in the relation that subsisted between us and the
+      Government of Great Britain--But the multiplied oppressions which
+      characterized that Government, excite in us the most painful
+      sensations, and exhibit a spectacle as disgusting in itself, as
+      dishonourable to the British name.
+
+    The governments of the old world present to us one huge mass of
+      intrigue, corruption and despotism--most of them are now basely
+      combined, to prevent the establishment of liberty in France, and
+      to affect the total destruction of the rights of man. Under these
+      afflicting circumstances we rejoice that America opens her arms to
+      receive, with fraternal affection, the friend of liberty and human
+      happiness, and that here he may enjoy the best blessings of
+      civilized society.
+
+    We sincerely sympathize with you in all that you have suffered,
+      and we consider the persecution with which you have been pursued
+      by a venal Court and an imperious and uncharitable priesthood, as
+      an illustrious proof of your personal merit, and a lasting
+      reproach to that Government from the grasp of whose tyranny you
+      are so happily removed.
+
+    Accept, Sir, of the sincere and best wishes of the Society whom we
+      represent, for the continuance of your health, and the increase of
+      your individual and domestic happiness.
+
+To which Priestley graciously replied:
+
+  Gentlemen,
+
+    VIEWING with the deepest concern, as you do, the prospect that is
+      now exhibited in Europe, those troubles which are the natural
+      offspring of their forms of government originating, indeed, in the
+      spirit of liberty, but gradually degenerating in tyrannies,
+      equally degrading to the rulers and the ruled, I rejoice in
+      finding an asylum from persecution in a country in which these
+      abuses have come to a natural termination, and have produced
+      another system of liberty founded on such wise principles, as, I
+      trust, will guard it against all future abuses; those artificial
+      distinctions in society, from which they sprung, being completely
+      eradicated, that protection from violence which laws and
+      government promise in all countries, but which I have not found in
+      my own, I doubt not I shall find with you, though, I cannot
+      promise to be a better subject of this government, than my whole
+      conduct will evince that I have been to that of great Britain.
+
+    Justly, however, as I think I may complain of the treatment I have
+      met with in England I sincerely wish her prosperity, and, from the
+      good will I bear both that country and this I ardently wish that
+      all former animosities may be forgotten and that a perpetual
+      friendship may subsist between them.
+
+And on Monday, June, 11, 1794, having taken the first opportunity to
+visit Priestley, the Tammany Society presented this address:
+
+  Sir,
+
+    A numerous body of freemen who associate to cultivate among them
+      the love of liberty and the enjoyment of the happy Republican
+      government under which they live and who for several years have
+      been known in this city, by the name of the Tammany Society have
+      deputed us a Committee to express to you their pleasure and
+      congratulations on your safe arrival in this country.
+
+    Their venerable ancestors escaped, as you have done, from
+      persecutions of intolerance, bigotry and despotism, and they
+      would deem themselves, an unworthy progeny were they not highly
+      interested in your safety and happiness.
+
+    It is not alone because your various useful publications evince a
+      life devoted to literature and the industrious pursuit of
+      knowledge; not only because your numerous discoveries in Nature
+      are so efficient to the progression of human happiness: but they
+      have long known you to be the friend of mankind and in defiance of
+      calumny and malice, an asserter of the rights of conscience and
+      the champion of civil and religious liberty.
+
+    They have learned with regret and indignation the abandoned
+      proceedings of those spoilers who destroyed your house and goods,
+      ruined your philosophical apparatus and library, committed to the
+      flames your manuscripts, pryed into the secrets of your private
+      papers, and in their barbarian fury put your life itself in
+      danger. They heard you also with exalted benevolence return unto
+      them "blessings for curses:" and while you thus exemplified the
+      undaunted integrity of the patriot, the mild and forbearing
+      virtues of the Christian, they hailed you victor in this
+      magnanimous triumph over your enemies.
+
+    You have fled from the rude arm of violence, from the flames of
+      bigotry, from the rod of lawless power: and you shall find
+      refuge in the bosom of freedom, of peace, and of Americans.
+
+    You have left your native land, a country doubtless ever dear to
+      you--a country for whose improvement in virtue and knowledge you
+      have long disinterestedly laboured, for which its rewards are
+      ingratitude, injustice and banishment. A country although now
+      presenting a prospect frightful to the eyes of humanity, yet once
+      the nurse of science, of arts, of heroes, and of freeman--a
+      country which although at present apparently self devoted to
+      destruction, we fondly hope may yet tread back the steps of infamy
+      and ruin, and once more rise conspicuous among the free nations of
+      the earth. In this advanced period of your life, when nature
+      demands the sweets of tranquility, you have been constrained to
+      encounter the tempestous deep, to risk disappointed prospects in a
+      foreign land, to give up the satisfaction of domestic quiet, to
+      tear yourself from the friends of your youth, from a numerous
+      acquaintance who revere and love you, and will long deplore your
+      loss.
+
+    We enter, Sir, with emotion and sympathy into the numerous
+      sacrifices you must have made, to an undertaking which so
+      eminently exhibits our country as an asylum for the persecuted and
+      oppressed, and into those regretful sensibilities your heart
+      experienced when the shores of your native land were lessening to
+      your view.
+
+    Alive to the impressions of this occasion we give you a warm and
+      hearty welcome into these United States. We trust a country worthy
+      of you; where Providence has unfolded a scene as new as it is
+      august, as felicitating as it is unexampled. The enjoyment of
+      liberty with but one disgraceful exception, pervades every class
+      of citizens. A catholic and sincere spirit of toleration regulates
+      society which rises into zeal when the sacred rights of humanity
+      are invaded. And there exists a sentiment of free and candid
+      inquiry which disdains shackles of tradition, promising a rich
+      harvest of improvement and the glorious triumphs of truth. We
+      hope, Sir, that the Great Being whose laws and works you have
+      made the study of your life, will smile upon and bless
+      you--restore you to every domestic and philosophical enjoyment,
+      prosper you in every undertaking, beneficial to mankind, render
+      you, as you have been to your own, the ornament of this country,
+      and crown you at last with immortal felicity and honour.
+
+And to this the venerable scientist was pleased to say:
+
+  Gentlemen,
+
+    I think myself greatly honoured, flying as I do, from ill
+      treatment in my native country, on account of my attachment to the
+      cause of civil and religious liberty, to be received with the
+      congratulations of "a Society of Freemen associated to cultivate
+      the love of liberty, and the enjoyment of a happy Republican
+      government." Happy would our venerable ancestors, as you justly
+      call them, have been, to have found America such a retreat for
+      them as it is to me, when they were driven hither; but happy has
+      it proved to me, and happy will it be for the world, that in the
+      wise and benevolent order of Providence, abuses of power are ever
+      destructive of itself, and favourable to liberty. Their strenuous
+      exertions and yours now give me that asylum which at my time of
+      life is peculiarly grateful to me, who only wish to continue
+      unmolested those pursuits of various literature to which, without
+      having ever entered into any political connexions my life has been
+      devoted.
+
+    I join you in viewing with regret the unfavourable prospect of
+      Great Britain formerly, as you say, the nurse of science, and of
+      freemen, and wish with you, that the unhappy delusion that country
+      is now under may soon vanish, and that whatever be the form of its
+      government it may vie with this country in everything that is
+      favourable to the best interests of mankind, and join with you in
+      removing that only disgraceful circumstance, which you justly
+      acknowledge to be an exception to the enjoyment of equal liberty,
+      among yourselves. That the Great Being whose providence extends
+      alike to all the human race, and to whose disposal I cheerfully
+      commit myself, may establish whatever is good, and remove whatever
+      is imperfect from your government and from every government in
+      the known world, is the earnest prayer of,
+
+    Gentlemen,
+
+        Your respectful humble servant.
+
+As Priestley had ever gloried in the fact that he was a teacher, what
+more appropriate in this period of congratulatory welcome, could have
+come to him than the following message of New York's teaching body:
+
+    The associated Teachers in the city of New York beg leave to offer
+      you a sincere and hearty welcome to this land of tranquility and
+      freedom.
+
+    Impressed with the idea of the real importance of so valuable an
+      acquisition to the growing interests of science and literature, in
+      this country, we are particularly happy that the honour of your
+      first reception, has fallen to this state, and to the city of New
+      York.
+
+    As labourers in those fields which you have occupied with the most
+      distinguished eminence, at the arduous and important task of
+      cultivating the human mind, we contemplate with peculiar
+      satisfaction the auspicious influence which your personal
+      residence in this country, will add to that of your highly
+      valuable scientific and literary productions, by which we have
+      already been materially benefited.
+
+    We beg leave to anticipate the happiness of sharing in some
+      degree, that patronage of science and literature, which it has
+      ever been your delight to afford. This will give facility to our
+      expressions; direct and encourage us in our arduous employments;
+      assist us to form the man, and thereby give efficacy to the
+      diffusion of useful knowledge.
+
+    Our most ardent wishes attend you, good Sir, that you may find in
+      this land a virtuous simplicity, a happy recess from the
+      intriguing politics and vitiating refinements of the European
+      world. That your patriotic virtues may add to the vigour of our
+      happy Constitution and that the blessings of this country may be
+      abundantly remunerated into your person and your family.
+
+    And we rejoice in believing, that the Parent of Nature, by those
+      secret communications of happiness with which he never fails to
+      reward the virtuous mind, will here convey to you that
+      consolation, support, and joy, which are independent of local
+      circumstances, and "Which the world can neither give nor take
+      away."
+
+Touched, indeed was Priestley by this simple, outspoken greeting from
+those who appreciated his genuine interest in the cause of education.
+Hence his reply was in a kindred spirit:
+
+    A welcome to this country from my fellow labourers in the
+      instruction of youth, is, I assure you, peculiarly grateful to me.
+      Classes of men, as well as individuals, are apt to form too high
+      ideas of their own importance; but certainly one of the most
+      important is, that which contributes so much as ours do to the
+      cummunication of useful knowledge, as forming the characters of
+      men, thereby fitting them for their several stations in society.
+      In some form or other this has been my employment and delight; and
+      my principal object in flying for an asylum to this country, "a
+      land," as I hope you justly term it, "of virtuous simplicity, and
+      a recess from the intriguing politics, and vicious refinements of
+      the European world," is that I may, without molestation, pursue my
+      favourite studies. And if I had an opportunity of making choice of
+      an employment for what remains of active exertion in life, it
+      would be one in which I should as I hope I have hitherto done,
+      contribute with you, to advance the cause of science, of virtue,
+      and of religion.
+
+Further, The Medical Society of the State of New York through Dr. John
+Charlton, its President, said:
+
+    PERMIT us, Sir, to wait upon you with an offering of our sincere
+      congratulations, on your safe arrival, with your lady and family
+      in this happy country, and to express our real joy, in receiving
+      among us, a gentleman, whose labours have contributed so much to
+      the diffusion and establishment of civil and religious liberty,
+      and whose deep researches into the true principles of natural
+      philosophy, have derived so much improvement and real benefit, not
+      only to the sciences of chemistry and medicine, but to various
+      other arts, all of which are necessary to the ornament and utility
+      of human life.
+
+    May you, Sir, possess and enjoy, here, uninterrupted contentment
+      and happiness, and may your valuable life be continued a farther
+      blessing to mankind.
+
+And in his answer Dr. Priestley remarked:
+
+    I THINK myself greatly honoured in being congratulated on my
+      arrival in this country by a Society of persons whose studies bear
+      some relation to my own. To continue, without fear of molestation,
+      on account of the most open profession of any sentiments, civil or
+      religious, those pursuits which you are sensible have for their
+      object the advantage of all mankind, (being, as you justly
+      observe, "necessary to the ornament and utility of human life") is
+      my principal motive for leaving a country in which that
+      tranquility and sense of security which scientificial pursuits
+      require, cannot be had; and I am happy to find here, persons who
+      are engaged in the same pursuits, and who have the just sense that
+      you discover of their truly enviable situation.
+
+As a climax to greetings extended in the City of New York, The
+Republican Natives of Great Britain and Ireland resident in that city
+said,
+
+    WE, the Republican natives of Great Britain and Ireland, resident
+      in the city of New York, embrace, with the highest satisfaction,
+      the opportunity which your arrival in this city presents, of
+      bearing our testimony to your character and virtue and of
+      expressing our joy that you come among us in circumstances of such
+      good health and spirits.
+
+    We have beheld with the keenest sensibility, the unparallelled
+      persecutions which attended you in your native country, and have
+      sympathized with you under all their variety and extent. In the
+      firm hope, that you are now completely removed from the effects of
+      every species of intolerance, we most sincerely congratulate you.
+
+    After a fruitless opposition to a corrupt and tyrannical
+      government, many of us have, like you, sought freedom and
+      protection in the United States of America; but to this we have
+      all been principally induced, from the full persuasion, that a
+      republican representative government, was not merely best adapted
+      to promote human happiness, but that it is the only rational
+      system worthy the wisdom of man to project, or to which his reason
+      should assent.
+
+    Participating in the many blessings which the government of this
+      country is calculated to insure, we are happy in giving it this
+      proof of our respectful attachment:--We are only grieved, that a
+      system of such beauty and excellence, should be at all tarnished
+      by the existence of slavery in any form; but as friends to the
+      Equal Rights of Man, we must be permitted to say, that we wish
+      these Rights extended to every human being, be his complexion what
+      it may. We, however, look forward with pleasing anticipation to a
+      yet more perfect state of society; and, from that love of liberty
+      which forms so distinguishing a trait in American character, are
+      taught to hope that this last--this worse disgrace to a free
+      government, will finally and forever be done away.
+
+    While we look back on our native country with emotions of pity and
+      indignation at the outrages which humanity has sustained in the
+      persons of the virtuous Muir, and his patriotic associates; and
+      deeply lament the fatal apathy into which our countrymen have
+      fallen; we desire to be thankful to the Great Author of our being
+      that we are in America, and that it has pleased Him, in his Wise
+      Providence, to make the United States an asylum not only from the
+      immediate tyranny of the British Government, but also from those
+      impending calamities, which its increasing despotism and
+      multiplied iniquities, must infallibly bring down on a deluded and
+      oppressed people.
+
+    Accept, Sir, of our affectionate and best wishes for a long
+      continuance of your health and happiness.
+
+The answer of the aged philosopher to this address was:
+
+    I think myself peculiarly happy in finding in this country so many
+      persons of sentiments similar to my own, some of whom have
+      probably left Great Britain or Ireland on the same account, and to
+      be so cheerfully welcomed by them on my arrival. You have already
+      had experience of the difference between the governments of the
+      two countries, and I doubt not, have seen sufficient reason to
+      give the decided preference that you do to that of this. There all
+      liberty of speech and of the press as far as politics are
+      concerned, is at an end, and a spirit of intolerance in matters of
+      religion is almost as high as in the time of the Stuarts. Here,
+      having no countenance from government, whatever may remain of this
+      spirit, from the ignorance and consequent bigotry, of former
+      times, it may be expected soon to die away; and on all subjects
+      whatever, every man enjoys invaluable liberty of speaking and
+      writing whatever he pleases.
+
+    The wisdom and happiness of Republican governments and the evils
+      resulting from hereditary monarchical ones, cannot appear in a
+      stronger light to you than they do to me. We need only look to the
+      present state of Europe and of America, to be fully satisfied in
+      this respect. The former will easily reform themselves, and among
+      other improvements, I am persuaded, will be the removal of that
+      vestige of servitude to which you allude, as it so ill accords
+      with the spirit of equal liberty, from which the rest of the
+      system has flowed; whereas no material reformation of the many
+      abuses to which the latter are subject, it is to be feared, can be
+      made without violence and confusion.
+
+    I congratulate you, gentlemen, as you do me, on our arrival in a
+      country in which men who wish well to their fellow citizens, and
+      use their best endeavours to render them the most important
+      services, men who are an honour to human nature and to any
+      country, are in no danger of being treated like the worst felons,
+      as is now the case in Great Britain.
+
+    Happy should I think myself in joining with you in welcoming to
+      this country every friend of liberty, who is exposed to danger
+      from the tyranny of the British Government, and who, while they
+      continue under it, must expect to share in those calamities, which
+      its present infatuation must, sooner or later, bring upon it. But
+      let us all join in supplications to the Great Parent of the
+      Universe, that for the sake of the many excellent characters in
+      our native country its government may be reformed, and the
+      judgments impending over it prevented.
+
+The hearty reception accorded Dr. Priestley met in due course with a
+cruel attack upon him by William Cobbett, known under the pen-name of
+Peter Porcupine, an Englishman, who after arrival in this country
+enjoyed a rather prosperous life by formulating scurrilous
+literature--attacks upon men of prominence, stars shining brightly in
+the human firmament.
+
+An old paper, the _Argus_, for the year 1796, said of this Peter
+Porcupine:
+
+    When this political caterpillar was crawling about at St. John's,
+      Nova Scotia, in support of his Britannic Majesty's glorious cause,
+      against the United States, and holding the rank of serjeant major
+      in the 54th regiment, then quartered in that land, "flowing with
+      milk and honey," and GRINDSTONES, and commanded by Colonel Bruce;
+      it was customary for some of the officers to hire out the soldiers
+      to the country people, instead of keeping them to military duty,
+      and to pocket the money themselves. Peter found he could make a
+      _speck_ out of this, and therefore kept a watchful eye over the
+      sins of his superiors. When the regiment was recalled and had
+      returned to England--Peter, brimful of amor patriae, was about to
+      prefer a complaint against the officers, when they came down with
+      a round sum of the ready rino, and a promise of his discharge, in
+      case of secrecy.--This so staggered our incorruptible and
+      independent hero and quill driver, that he agreed to the terms,
+      received that very honorable discharge, mentioned with so much
+      emphasis, in the history of his important life--got cash enough to
+      come to America, by circuitous route and to set himself up with
+      the necessary implements of scandal and abuse.
+
+    This flea, this spider, this corporal, has dared to point his
+      impotent spleen at the memory of that illustrious patriot,
+      statesman and philosopher, Benjamin Franklin.
+
+    Let the buzzing insect reflect on this truth--that
+
+    "Succeeding times great Franklin's works shall quote,
+    When 'tis forgot--this Peter ever wrote."
+
+And the _Advertiser_ declared:
+
+    Peter Porcupine is one of those writers who attempt to deal in
+      wit--and to bear down every Republican principle by satire--but he
+      miserably fails in both, for his wit is as stale as his satire,
+      and his satire as insipid as his wit. He attempts to ridicule Dr.
+      Franklin, but can any man of sense conceive any poignancy in
+      styling this great philosopher, "poor Richard," or "the old
+      lightning rod." Franklin, whose researches in philosophy have
+      placed him preeminent among the first characters in this country,
+      or in Europe: is it possible then that such a contemptible wretch
+      as Peter Porcupine, (who never gave any specimen of his
+      philosophy, but in bearing with Christian patience a severe
+      whipping at the public post) can injure the exalted reputation of
+      this great philosopher? The folly of the Editor of the Centinal,
+      is the more conspicuous, in inserting his billingsgate abuse in a
+      Boston paper, when this town, particularly the TRADESMAN of it are
+      reaping such advantages from Franklin's liberality. The Editor of
+      the Centinal ought to blush for his arrogance in vilifying this
+      TRADESMEN'S FRIEND, by retailing the scurrility of so wretched a
+      puppy as Peter Porcupine.
+
+    As to Dr. Priestley, the Editor was obliged to apologise in this
+      particular--but colours it over as the effusions of genius--poor
+      apology, indeed to stain his columns with scurrility and abuse,
+      and after finding the impression too notoriously infamous,
+      attempts to qualify it, sycophantic parenthesis.
+
+    The names of Franklin and Priestley will be enrolled in the
+      catalogue of worthies, while the wretched Peter Porcupine, and
+      his more wretched supporters, will sink into oblivion, unless the
+      register of Newgate should be published, and their memories be
+      raked from the loathsome rubbish as spectres of universal
+      destestation.
+
+And the London Monthly Review (August 10, 1796) commented as follows on
+Porcupine's animadversions upon Priestley:
+
+    Frequently as we have differed in opinion from Dr. Priestley, we
+      should think it an act of injustice to his merit, not to say that
+      the numerous and important services which he has rendered to
+      science, and the unequivocal proofs which he has given of at least
+      honest intention towards religion and Christianity ought to have
+      protected him from such gross insults as are poured upon him in
+      this pamphlet. Of the author's literary talent, we shall say but
+      little: the phrases, "setting down to count the cost"--"the rights
+      of the man the greatest bore in nature"--the appellation of
+      rigmarole ramble, given to a correct sentence of Dr.
+      Priestley--which the author attempts to criticise--may serve as
+      specimens of his language.
+
+    The pitiful attempt at wit, in his vulgar fable of the pitcher
+      haranguing the pans and jordans, will give him little credit as a
+      writer, with readers of an elegant taste.--No censure, however,
+      can be too severe for a writer who suffers the rancour of party
+      spirit to carry him so far beyond the bounds of justice, truth and
+      decency, as to speak of Dr. Priestley as an admirer of the
+      massacres of France, and who would have wished to have seen the
+      town of Birmingham like that of Lyons, razed, and all its
+      industrious and loyal inhabitants butchered as a man whose conduct
+      proves that he has either an understanding little superior to that
+      of an idiot, or the heart of Marat: in short, as a man who fled
+      into banishment covered with the universal destestation of his
+      countrymen. The spirit, which could dictate such outrageous abuse,
+      must disgrace any individual and any party.
+
+Even before Porcupine began his abuse of Priestley, there appeared
+efforts intended no doubt to arouse opposition to him and dislike for
+him. One such, apparently very innocent in its purpose, appeared
+shortly after Priestley's settlement in Northumberland. It may be seen
+in _the Advertiser_, and reads thus:
+
+    The divinity of Jesus Christ proved in a publication to be sold by
+      Francis Bayley in Market Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets, at
+      the sign of the _Yorick's Head_--being a reply to Dr. Joseph
+      Priestley's appeal to the serious and candid professors of
+      Christianity.
+
+The New York addresses clearly indicated the generous sympathy of hosts
+of Americans for Priestley. They were not perfunctory, but genuinely
+genuine. This brought joy to the distinguished emigrant, and a sense of
+fellowship, accompanied by a feeling of security.
+
+More than a century has passed since these occurrences, and the reader
+of today is scarcely stirred by their declarations and appeals. Changes
+have come, in the past century, on both sides of the great ocean. Almost
+everywhere reigns the freedom so devoutly desired by the fathers of the
+long ago. It is so universal that it does not come as a first thought.
+Other changes, once constantly on men's minds have gradually been made.
+
+How wonderful has been the development of New York since Priestley's
+brief sojourn in it. How marvelously science has grown in the great
+interim. What would Priestley say could he now pass up and down the
+famous avenues of our greatest City?
+
+His decision to live in America, his labors for science in this land,
+have had a share in the astounding unfolding of the dynamical
+possibilities of America's greatest municipality.
+
+The Priestleys were delighted with New York. They were frequent dinner
+guests of Governor Clinton, whom they liked very much and saw often, and
+they met with pleasure Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill, the Professor of
+Chemistry in Columbia.
+
+Amidst the endless fetes, attendant upon their arrival, there existed a
+desire to go forward. The entire family were eager to arrive at their
+real resting place--the home prepared by the sons who had preceded them
+to this Western world. Accordingly, on June 18, 1794, they left New
+York, after a fortnight's visit, and the _Advertiser_ of Philadelphia,
+June 21, 1794, contained these lines:
+
+    Last Thursday evening arrived in town from New York the justly
+      celebrated philosopher Dr. Joseph Priestley.
+
+Thus was heralded his presence in the City of his esteemed, honored
+friend, Franklin, who, alas! was then in the spirit land, and not able
+to greet him as he would have done had he still been a living force in
+the City of Brotherly Love. However, a very prompt welcome came from the
+American Philosophical Society, founded (1727) by the immortal savant,
+Franklin.
+
+The President of this venerable Society, the oldest scientific Society
+in the Western hemisphere, was the renowned astronomer, David
+Rittenhouse, who said for himself and his associates:
+
+    THE American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia for
+      promoting useful knowledge, offer you their sincere
+      congratulations on your safe arrival in this country. Associated
+      for the purposes of extending and disseminating those improvements
+      in the sciences and the arts, which most conduce to substantial
+      happiness of Man, the Society felicitate themselves and their
+      country, that your talents and virtues, have been transferred to
+      this Republic. Considering you as an illustrious member of this
+      institution: Your colleagues anticipate your aid, in zealously
+      promoting the objects which unite them; as a virtuous man,
+      possessing eminent and useful acquirements, they contemplate with
+      pleasure the accession of such worth to the American Commonwealth,
+      and looking forward to your future character of a citizen of this,
+      your adopted country, they rejoice in greeting, as such, an
+      enlightened Republican.
+
+    In this free and happy country, those unalienable rights, which
+      the Author of Nature committed to man as a sacred deposit, have
+      been secured: Here, we have been enabled, under the favour of
+      Divine Providence, to establish a government of Laws, and not of
+      Men; a government, which secures to its citizens equal Rights, and
+      equal Liberty, and which offers an asylum to the good, to the
+      persecuted, and to the oppressed of other climes.
+
+    May you long enjoy every blessing which an elevated and highly
+      cultivated mind, a pure conscience, and a free country are capable
+      of bestowing.
+
+And, in return, Priestley remarked.
+
+    IT is with peculiar satisfaction that I receive the
+      congratulations of my brethren of the Philosophical Society in
+      this City, on my arrival in this country. It is, in great part,
+      for the sake of pursuing our common studies without molestation,
+      though for the present you will allow, with far less advantage,
+      that I left my native country, and have come to America; and a
+      Society of Philosophers, who will have no objection to a person on
+      account of his political or religious sentiments, will be as
+      grateful, as it will be new to me. My past conduct, I hope, will
+      show, that you may depend upon my zeal in promoting the valuable
+      objects of your institution; but you must not flatter yourself, or
+      me, with supposing, that, at my time of life, and with the
+      inconvenience attending a new and uncertain settlement, I can be
+      of much service to it.
+
+    I am confident, however, from what I have already seen of the
+      spirit of the people of this country, that it will soon appear
+      that Republican governments, in which every obstruction is removed
+      to the exertion of all kinds of talent, will be far more
+      favourable to science, and the arts, than any monarchical
+      government has ever been. The patronage to be met with there is
+      ever capricious, and as often employed to bear down merit as to
+      promote it, having for its real object, not science or anything
+      useful to mankind, but the mere reputation of the patron, who is
+      seldom any judge of science. Whereas a Public which neither
+      flatters nor is to be flattered will not fail in due time to
+      distinguish true merit and to give every encouragement that it is
+      proper to be given in the case. Besides by opening as you
+      generously do an asylum to the persecuted and "oppressed of all
+      climes," you will in addition to your own native stock, soon
+      receive a large accession of every kind of merit, philosophical
+      not excepted, whereby you will do yourselves great honour and
+      secure the most permanent advantage to the community.
+
+Doubtless in the society of so many worthy Philadelphians, the
+Priestleys were happy, for they had corresponded with not a few of them.
+
+The longing for Northumberland became very great and one smiles on
+reading that the good Doctor thought "Philadelphia by no means so
+agreeable as New York ... Philadelphia would be very irksome to me....
+It is only a place for business and to get money in." But in this City
+he later spent much of his time.
+
+It was about the middle of July, 1794, that the journey to
+Northumberland began, and on September 14, 1794, Priestley wrote of
+Northumberland "nothing can be more delightful, or more healthy than
+this place."
+
+Safely lodged among those dear to him one finds much pleasure in
+observing the great philosopher's activities. The preparation of a home
+for himself and his wife and the unmarried members of the family was
+uppermost in his mind. But much time was given to correspondence with
+loyal friends in England. Chief among these were the Reverends Lindsey
+and Belsham. The letters to these gentlemen disclose the plans and
+musings of the exile. For instance, in a communication to the former,
+dated September 14, 1794, he wrote:
+
+    The professor of chemistry in the College of Philadelphia is
+      supposed to be on his death-bed ... in the case of a vacancy, Dr.
+      Rush thinks I shall be invited to succeed him. In this case I must
+      reside four months in one year in Philadelphia, and one principal
+      inducement with me to accept of it will be the opportunity I shall
+      have of forming an Unitarian Congregation....
+
+And a month later he observed to the same friend:
+
+    Philadelphia is unpleasant, unhealthy, and intolerably
+      expensive.... Every day I do something towards the continuation of
+      my Church History.... I have never read so much Hebrew as I have
+      since I left England....
+
+He visited freely in the vicinity of Northumberland, spending much time
+in the open. Davy, a traveler, made this note:
+
+    Dr. Priestley visited us at Sunbury, looks well and cheerful, has
+      left off his perriwig, and combs his short grey locks, in the true
+      style of the simplicity of the country.... Dined very pleasantly
+      with him. He has bought a lot of eleven acres (exclusively of that
+      which he is building on), which commands a delightful view of all
+      the rivers, and both towns, i.e. Sunbury and Northumberland and
+      the country. It cost him 100L currency.
+
+It was also to Mr. Lindsey that he communicated, on November 12, 1794, a
+fact of no little interest, even today, to teachers of Chemistry in
+America. It was:
+
+    I have just received an invitation to the professorship of
+      chemistry at Philadelphia ... when I considered that I must pass
+      four months of every year from home, my heart failed me; and I
+      declined it. If my books and apparatus had been in Philadelphia, I
+      might have acted differently, but part of them are now arrived
+      here, and the remainder I expect in a few days, and the expense
+      and risk of conveyance of such things from Philadelphia hither is
+      so great, that I cannot think of taking them back ... and in a
+      year or two, I doubt not, we shall have a college established
+      here.
+
+It was about this time that his youngest son, Harry, in whom he
+particularly delighted, began clearing 300 acres of cheap land, and in
+this work the philosopher was greatly interested; indeed, on occasions
+he actually participated in the labor of removing the timber. Despite
+this manual labor there were still hours of every day given to the
+Church History, and to his correspondence which grew in volume, as he
+was advising inquiring English friends, who thought of emigrating, and
+very generally to them he recommended the perusal of Dr. Thomas Cooper's
+
+    "Advice to those who would remove to America--"
+
+Through this correspondence, now and then, there appeared little
+animadversions on the quaint old town on the Delaware, such as
+
+    I never saw a town I liked less than Philadelphia.
+
+Could this dislike have been due to the fact that--
+
+    Probably in no other place on the Continent was the love of bright
+      colours and extravagance in dress carried to such an extreme.
+      Large numbers of the Quakers yielded to it, and even the very
+      strict ones carried gold-headed canes, gold snuff-boxes, and wore
+      great silver buttons on their drab coats and handsome buckles on
+      their shoes.
+
+And
+
+    Nowhere were the women so resplendant in silks, satins, velvets,
+      and brocades, and they piled up their hair mountains high.
+
+Furthermore--
+
+    The descriptions of the banquets and feasts ... are appalling.
+
+    John Adams, when he first came down to Philadelphia, fresh from
+      Boston, stood aghast at this life into which he was suddenly
+      thrown and thought it must be sin. But he rose to the occasion,
+      and, after describing in his diary some of the "mighty feasts" and
+      "sinful feasts" ... says he drank Madeira "at a great rate and
+      found no inconvenience."
+
+It would only be surmise to state what were the Doctor's reasons for his
+frequent declaration of dislike for Philadelphia.
+
+The winter of 1794-1795 proved much colder "than ever I knew it in
+England," but he cheerfully requested Samuel Parker to send him a
+hygrometer, shades or bell-glasses, jars for electrical batteries, and
+
+    a set of glass tubes with large bulbs at the end, such as I used
+      in the experiments I last published on the generation of _Air_
+      from water.
+
+Most refreshing is this demand upon a friend. It indicates the keen
+desire in Priestley to proceed with experimental studies, though
+surroundings and provisions for such undertakings were quite
+unsatisfactory. The spirit was there and very determined was its
+possessor that his science pursuits should not be laid totally aside.
+His attitude and course in this particular were admirable and exemplary.
+Too often the lack of an abundance of equipment and the absence of many
+of the supposed essentials, have been deterrents which have caused men
+to abandon completely their scientific investigations. However, such was
+not the case with the distinguished exile, and for this he deserved all
+praise.
+
+From time to time, in old papers and books of travel, brief notes
+concerning Priestley appear. These exhibit in a beautiful manner the
+human side of the man. They cause one to wish that the privilege of
+knowing this worthy student of chemical science might have been enjoyed
+by him. For example, a Mr. Bakewell chanced upon him in the spring of
+1795 and recorded:
+
+    I found him (Priestley) a man rather below the middle size,
+      straight and plain, wearing his own hair; and in his countenance,
+      though you might discern the philosopher, yet it beamed with so
+      much simplicity and freedom as made him very easy of access.
+
+It is also stated in Davy's "Journal of Voyage, etc."--
+
+    The doctor enjoys a game at whist; and although he never hazards a
+      farthing, is highly diverted with playing good cards, but never
+      ruffled by bad ones.
+
+In May, 1795, Priestley expressed himself as follows:
+
+    As to the experiments, I find I cannot do much till I get my own
+      house built. At present I have all my books and instruments in one
+      room, in the house of my son.
+
+This is the first time in all his correspondence that reference is made
+to experimental work. It was in 1795. As a matter of course every
+American chemist is interested to know when he began experimentation in
+this country.
+
+In the absence of proper laboratory space and the requisite apparatus,
+it is not surprising that he thought much and wrote extensively on
+religious topics, and further he would throw himself into political
+problems, for he addressed Mr. Adams on restriction "in the
+naturalization of foreigners." He remarked that--
+
+    Party strife is pretty high in this country, but the Constitution
+      is such that it cannot do any harm.
+
+To friends, probably reminding him of being "unactive, which affects me
+much," he answered:
+
+    As to the chemical lectureship (in Philadelphia) I am convinced I
+      could not have acquitted myself in it to proper advantage. I had
+      no difficulty in giving a general course of chemistry at Hackney
+      (England), lecturing only once a week; but to give a lecture every
+      day for four months, and to enter so particularly into the subject
+      as a course of lectures in a medical University (Pennsylvania)
+      requires, I was not prepared for; and my engagements there would
+      not, at my time of life, have permitted me to make the necessary
+      preparations for it; if I could have done it at all. For, though I
+      have made discoveries in some branches of chemistry, I never gave
+      much attention to the common routine of it, and know but little
+      of the common processes.
+
+Is not this a refreshing confession from the celebrated discoverer of
+oxygen? The casual reader would not credit such a statement from one who
+August 1, 1774, introduced to the civilized world so important an
+element as oxygen. Because he did not know the "common processes" of
+chemistry and had not concerned himself with the "common routine" of it,
+led to his blazing the way among chemical compounds in his own fashion.
+Many times since the days of Priestley real researchers after truth have
+proceeded without compass and uncovered most astonishing and remarkable
+results. They had the genuine research spirit and were driven forward by
+it. Priestley knew little of the labyrinth of analysis and cared less;
+indeed, he possessed little beyond an insatiable desire to unfold
+Nature's secrets.
+
+Admiration for Priestley increases on hearing him descant on the people
+about him--on the natives--
+
+    Here every house-keeper has a garden, out of which he raises
+      almost all he wants for his family. They all have cows, and many
+      have horses, the keeping of which costs them little or nothing in
+      the summer, for they ramble with bells on their necks in the
+      woods, and come home at night. Almost all the fresh meat they have
+      is salted in the autumn, and a fish called _shads_ in the spring.
+      This salt shad they eat at breakfast, with their tea and coffee,
+      and also at night. We, however, have not yet laid aside our
+      English customs, and having made great exertion to get fresh meat,
+      it will soon come into general use.
+
+Proudly must he have said--
+
+    My youngest son, Harry, works as hard as any farmer in the country
+      and is as attentive to his farm, though he is only eighteen....
+      Two or three hours I always work in the fields along with my
+      son....
+
+And, then as a supplement, for it was resting heavily on his mind, he
+added--
+
+    What I chiefly attend to now is my Church History ... but I make
+      some experiments every day (July 12, 1795), and shall soon draw up
+      a paper for the Philosophical Society at Philadelphia.
+
+Early in December of 1795 he entrusted a paper, intended for the
+American Philosophical Society to the keeping of Dr. Young, a gentleman
+from Northumberland en route for Europe. Acquainting his friend Lindsey
+of this fact, he took occasion to add--
+
+    I have much more to do in my laboratory, but I am under the
+      necessity of shutting up for the winter, as the frost will make it
+      impossible to keep my water fit for use, without such provision as
+      I cannot make, till I get my own laboratory prepared on purpose,
+      when I hope to be able to work alike, winter and summer.
+
+Dr. Young carried two papers to Philadelphia. The first article treated
+of "Experiments and Observations relating to the Analysis of
+Atmospherical Air," and the second "Further Experiments relating to the
+Generation of Air from Water." They filled 20 quarto pages of Volume 4
+of the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society. On reading
+them the thought lingers that these are the first contributions of the
+eminent philosopher from his American home. Hence, without reference to
+their value, they are precious. They represent the results of inquiries
+performed under unusual surroundings. It is very probable that
+Priestley's English correspondents desired him to concentrate his
+efforts upon experimental science. They were indeed pleased to be
+informed of his Church History, and his vital interest in religion, but
+they cherished the hope that science would in largest measure displace
+these literary endeavors. Priestley himself never admitted this, but
+must have penetrated their designs, and, recognizing the point of their
+urging, worked at much disadvantage to get the results presented in
+these two pioneer studies. Present day students would grow impatient in
+their perusal, because of the persistent emphasis placed on phlogiston,
+dephlogisticated air, phlogisticated air, and so forth. In the very
+first paper, the opening lines show this:
+
+    It is an essential part of the antiphlogistic theory, that in all
+      the cases of what I have called _phlogistication_ of _air_, there
+      is simply an absorption of the dephlogisticated air, or, as the
+      advocates of that theory term it, the oxygen contained in it,
+      leaving the _phlogisticated_ part, which they call _azote_, as it
+      originally existed in the atmosphere. Also, according to this
+      system, _azote_ is a simple substance, at least not hitherto
+      analyzed into any other.
+
+No matter how deeply one venerates Priestley, or how great honor is
+ascribed to him, the question continues why the simpler French view was
+not adopted by this honest student. Further, as an ardent admirer one
+asks why should Priestley pen the next sentence:
+
+    They, therefore, suppose that there is a determinate proportion
+      between the quantities of oxygen, and azote in every portion of
+      atmospherical air, and that all that has hitherto been done has
+      been to separate them from one another. This proportion they state
+      to be 27 parts of oxygen and 73 parts of azote, in 100 of
+      atmospherical air.
+
+Priestley knew that there was a "determinate proportion." He was not,
+however, influenced by quantitative data.
+
+Sir Oliver Lodge said[4]--
+
+    Priestley's experiments were admirable, but his perception of
+      their theoretical relations was entirely inadequate and, as we
+      now think, quite erroneous.... In theory he had no instinct for
+      guessing right ... he may almost be said to have had a
+      predilection for the wrong end.
+
+At present the French thought is so evident that it seems
+incomprehensible that Priestley failed to grasp it, for he continues--
+
+    In every case of the diminution of atmospherical air in which this
+      is the result, there appears to me to be something emitted from
+      the substance, which the antiphlogistians suppose to act by simple
+      absorption, and therefore that it is more probable that there is
+      some substance, and the same that has been called _philogiston_,
+      or the _principle of inflammability_ ... emitted, and that this
+      phlogiston uniting with part of the dephlogisticated air forms
+      with it part of the phlogisticated air, which is found after the
+      process.
+
+Subsequently (1798), he advised the Society that he had executed other
+experiments which corroborated those outlined in his first two papers,
+adding--
+
+    Had the publication of your _Transactions_ been more frequent, I
+      should with much pleasure have submitted to the Society a full
+      account of these and other experiments which appear to me to
+      prove, that metals are compound substances, and that water has not
+      yet been decomposed by any process that we are acquainted with.
+      Still, however, I would not be very positive, as the contrary is
+      maintained by almost all the chemists of the age....
+
+And thus he proceeds, ever doing interesting things, but blind to the
+patent results because he had phlogiston constantly before him. He
+looked everywhere for it, followed it blindly, and consequently
+overlooked the facts regarded as most significant by his opponents,
+which in the end led them to correct conclusions.
+
+The experimental results in the second paper also admit of an
+interpretation quite the opposite of that deduced by Priestley. He
+confidently maintained that air was invariably generated from water,
+because he discovered it and liberated it from water which he was
+certain did not contain it in solution. He was conscientious in his
+inferences. Deeply did his friends deplore his inability to see more
+than a single interpretation of his results!
+
+The papers were read before the American Philosophical Society on the
+19th of February, 1796. Their author as they appear in print, is the
+Rev. Dr. J. Priestley. It is doubtful whether he affixed this signature.
+More probable is it that the Secretary of the Society was responsible,
+and, because he thought of Priestley in the role of a Reverend gentleman
+rather than as a scientific investigator.
+
+Here, perhaps, it may be mentioned that the first, the very first
+communication from Priestley's pen to the venerable Philosophical
+Society, was read in 1784. It was presented by a friend--a Mr. W.
+Vaughan, whose family in England were always the staunchest of
+Priestley's supporters. And it is not too much to assume that it was the
+same influence which one year later (1785) brought about Priestley's
+election to membership in the Society, for he was one of "28 new
+members" chosen in January of that year.
+
+There are evidences of marked friendliness to Priestley all about the
+Hall of the Society, for example his profile in Plaster of Paris,
+"particularly valuable for the resemblance" to the Doctor, which was
+presented in 1791; a second "profile in black leather" given by Robert
+Patterson, a President of the Society, and an oil portrait of him from
+Mrs. Dr. Caspar Wistar.
+
+His appearance in person, when for the first time he sat among his
+colleagues of the Society, was on the evening of February 19, 1796--the
+night upon which the two papers, commented upon in the last few
+paragraphs were presented, although he probably did not read them
+himself, this being done by a friend or by the secretary. Sixteen
+members were present. Among these were some whose names have become
+familiar elsewhere, such as Barton, Woodhouse and others. Today, the
+presence in the same old Hall of a renowned scientist, from beyond the
+seas, would literally attract crowds. Then it was not the fashion. But
+probably he had come unannounced and unheralded. Further, he was
+speaking at other hours on other topics in the city.
+
+It is not recorded that he spoke before the philosophers. Perhaps he
+quietly absorbed their remarks and studied them, although he no doubt
+was agreeably aroused when Mr. Peale presented
+
+      to the Society a young son of four months and four days old, being
+      the first child born in the Philosophical Hall, and requested that
+      the Society would give him a name. On which the Society
+      unanimously agreed that, after the name of the chief founder and
+      late President of the Society, he should be called Franklin.
+
+In anticipation of any later allusion to Priestley's sojourn in
+Philadelphia be it observed that he attended meetings of the American
+Philosophical Society three times in 1796, twice in 1797, three times in
+1801 and once in 1803, and that on February 3rd, 1797, he was chosen to
+deliver the annual oration before the Society, but the Committee
+reported that
+
+      they waited on Dr. Priestley last Monday afternoon, who received
+      the information with great politeness, but declined accepting of
+      the appointment.
+
+This lengthy digression must now be interrupted. It has gone almost too
+far, yet it was necessary in order that an account of the early
+experimental contributions of the exile might be introduced
+chronologically. As already remarked, Americans are most deeply
+interested in everything Priestley did during his life in this country
+and particularly in his scientific activities.
+
+On resuming the story of the routine at Northumberland in the closing
+months of the year 1795, there comes the cry from an agonized heart,--
+
+    We have lost poor Harry!
+
+This was the message to a Philadelphia resident--a friend from old
+England. The loss, for such it emphatically was, affected the Doctor and
+Mrs. Priestley very deeply. This particular son was a pride to them and
+though only eighteen years old had conducted his farm as if he had been
+bred a farmer.
+
+    He was uncommonly beloved by all that worked under him.
+
+His home was just outside of the borough of Northumberland. It was the
+gift of his father. His interment in "a plot of ground" belonging to the
+Society of Friends is thus described by Mr Bakewell:
+
+    I attended the funeral to the lonely spot, and there I saw the
+      good old father perform the service over the grave of his son. It
+      was an affecting sight, but he went through it with fortitude, and
+      after praying, addressed the attendants in a few words, assuring
+      them that though death had separated them here, they should meet
+      again in another and a better life.
+
+The correspondence to friends in England was replete with accounts of
+lectures which were in process of preparation. They were discourses on
+the Evidences of Revelation and their author was most desirous of
+getting to Philadelphia that he might there deliver them. At that time
+this City was full of atheism and agnosticism. Then, too, the hope of
+establishing a Unitarian Church was ever in Priestley's thoughts. How
+delightful it is to read, February 12th, 1796--
+
+    I am now on my way to Philadelphia.
+
+When he left it in 1794 he was rather critical of it, but now after
+three days he arrived there. It was
+
+    a very good journey, accompanied by my daughter-in-law, in my
+      son's Yarmouth waggon, which by means of a seat constructed of
+      straw, was very easy.
+
+Yes, back again to the City which was the only city in this country ever
+visited by him. Although at times he considered going to New York, and
+even to Boston, Philadelphia was to become his Mecca. In it he was to
+meet the most congenial scientific spirits, and to the younger of these
+he was destined to impart a new inspiration for science, and for
+chemical science in particular. At the close of the three days' journey
+he wrote--
+
+    I am a guest with Mr. Russell.... We found him engaged to drink
+      tea with President Washington, where we accompanied him and spent
+      two hours as in any private family. He (Washington) invited me to
+      come at any time, without ceremony. Everything is the reverse of
+      what it is with you.
+
+This was his first meeting with Washington. The spirit of the occasion
+impressed him. The democratic behavior of the great Federalist must have
+astonished him, if he ever entertained, as Lord Brougham would have us
+believe, a hostile opinion and thought him ungrateful because he would
+not consent to make America dependent upon France.
+
+Priestley's eagerness to preach was intense, and happy must he have been
+on the day following his arrival, when his heart's wish was gratified.
+He preached in the church of Mr. Winchester--
+
+      to a very numerous, respectable, and very attentive audience.
+
+Many were members of Congress, and according to one witness--
+
+    The Congregation that attended were so numerous that the house
+      could not contain them, so that as many were obliged to stand as
+      sit, and even the doorways were crowded with people. Mr.
+      Vice-President Adams was among the regular attendants.
+
+All this greatly encouraged the Doctor. His expectations for the
+establishment of a Unitarian congregation were most encouraging. He
+declared himself ready to officiate every winter without salary if he
+could lodge somewhere with a friend. The regular and punctual attendance
+of Mr. Adams pleased him so much that he resolved on printing his
+sermons, for they were in great demand, and to dedicate the same to the
+Vice-President. He was also gratified to note that the "violent
+prejudice" to him was gradually being overcome. Today we smile on
+recalling the reception accorded the good Doctor in his early days in
+Philadelphia. We smile and yet our hearts fail to understand just why he
+should have been so ostracised. To confirm this it may be noted that on
+one occasion Priestley preached in a Presbyterian Chapel, very probably
+in Northumberland, when one of the ministers was so displeased--
+
+      that he declared if they permitted him any more, he would never
+      enter the puplit again.
+
+And in 1794 on coming the first time to Philadelphia he wrote
+
+    There is much jealousy and dread of me.
+
+How shameful and yet it was most real. Bakewell narrates that
+
+    "I went several times to the Baptist meeting in Second Street,
+      under the care of Dr. Rogers. This man burst out, and bade the
+      people beware, for 'a Priestley had entered the land;' and then,
+      crouching down in a worshiping attitude, exclaimed, 'Oh, Lamb of
+      God! how would they pluck thee from thy throne!'"
+
+The public prints flayed Rogers, and even the staid old Philosophical
+Society indicated to him that such conduct ill became a member of that
+august body. Accordingly humiliated he repented his error and in time
+became strongly attached to Priestley, concerning whom he told this
+story to a Mr. Taylor whose language is here given:
+
+    The Doctor (Priestley) would occasionally call on Dr. Rogers, and
+      without any formal invitation, pass an evening at his house. One
+      afternoon he was there when Dr. Rogers was not at home, having
+      been assured by Mrs. Rogers that her husband would soon be there.
+      Meanwhile, Mr. ----, a Baptist minister, called on Dr. Rogers, and
+      being a person of rough manners, Mrs. Rogers was a good deal
+      concerned lest he should say something disrespectful to Dr.
+      Priestley in case she introduced the Doctor to him. At last,
+      however, she ventured to announce Dr. Priestley's name, who put
+      out his hand; but instead of taking it the other immediately drew
+      himself back, saying, as if astonished to meet with Dr. Priestley
+      in the home of one of his brethren, and afraid of being
+      contaminated by having any social intercourse with him, 'Dr.
+      Priestley! I can't be cordial.'
+
+    It is easy to imagine that by this speech Mrs. Rogers was greatly
+      embarrassed. Dr. Priestley, observing this, instantly relieved her
+      by saying, and with all that benevolent expression of countenance
+      and pleasantness of manner for which he was remarkable, 'Well,
+      well, Madam, you and I can be cordial; and Dr. Rogers will soon be
+      with us, Mr. ---- and he can converse together, so that we shall
+      all be very comfortable.' Thus encouraged, Mrs. Rogers asked Dr.
+      Priestley some questions relative to the Scripture prophecies, to
+      which he made suitable replies; and before Dr. Rogers arrived,
+      Mr. ---- was listening with much attention, sometimes making a
+      remark or putting in a question. The evening was passed in the
+      greatest harmony, with no inclination on the part of Mr. ---- to
+      terminate the conversation. At last Dr. Priestley, pulling out his
+      watch, informed Mr. ---- that as it was _ten_ o'clock it was time
+      that two old men like them were at their quarters. The other at
+      first was not willing to believe that Dr. Priestley's watch was
+      accurate; but finding that it was correct, he took his leave with
+      apparent regret, observing that he had never spent a shorter and
+      more pleasant evening. He then went away, Dr. Priestley
+      accompanying him, until it became necesary to separate. Next
+      morning he called on his friend, Dr. Rogers, when he made the
+      following frank and manly declaration: 'You and I well know that
+      Dr. Priestley is quite wrong in regard to his theology, but
+      notwithstanding this, he is a great and good man, and I behaved to
+      him at our first coming together like a fool and a brute.'
+
+Many additional evidences might be introduced showing that the Doctor
+was slowly winning his way among the people. It must also be remembered
+that not all of his associates were of the clerical group but that he
+had hosts of scientists as sincere and warm supporters. In Woodhouse's
+laboratory he was ever welcome and there must have met many congenial
+spirits who never discussed politics or religion. This was after the
+manner of the Lunar Society in Birmingham in which representatives of
+almost every creed came together to think of scientific matters. Hence,
+it is quite probable that Priestley's visit to Philadelphia was on the
+whole full of pleasure.
+
+He was also in habits of close intimacy with Dr. Ewing, Provost of the
+University of Pennsylvania, and with the Vice-Provost, Dr. John
+Andrews, as well as with Dr. Benjamin Rush who had long been his friend
+and with whom he corresponded at frequent intervals after his arrival in
+America. To him Priestley had confided his hope of getting a college in
+Northumberland and inquired,--
+
+    Would the State give any encouragement to it?
+
+To Rush he also wrote excusing
+
+      my weakness (for such you will consider it) when, after giving you
+      reason to expect that I would accept the professorship of
+      Chemistry, if it was offered to me, I now inform you that I must
+      decline it.
+
+Now and then he also advised him of such experiments as he was able to
+do; for example--
+
+    I made trial of the air of Northumberland by the test of nitrous
+      air, but found it not sensibly different from that of England.
+
+In the leisure he enjoyed his figure was often seen in Congress. He
+relished the debates which at the time were on the Treaty with England.
+He declared he heard as good speaking there as in the House of Commons.
+He observed--
+
+    A Mr. Amos speaks as well as Mr. Burke; but in general the
+      speakers are more argumentative, and less rhetorical. And whereas
+      there are with you not more than ten or a dozen tolerable
+      speakers, here every member is capable of speaking.
+
+While none of the letters to Priestley's friends mention a family event
+of some importance the _American Advertiser_, February 13, 1796,
+announced that
+
+    Mr. William Priestley, second son of the celebrated Dr. Joseph
+      Priestley, was married to the agreeable Miss Peggy Foulke, a young
+      lady possessed with every quality to render the marriage state
+      happy.
+
+This occurred very probably just before the Doctor set forth from
+Northumberland to make his first Philadelphia visit. It is singular that
+little is said of the son William by the Doctor. Could it be that, in
+some way, he may have offended his parent? In his _Memorial_ Rush,
+writing in the month of March, 1796, noted:
+
+    Saw Dr. Priestley often this month. Attended him in a severe
+      pleurisy. He once in his sickness spoke of his second son,
+      William, and wept very much.
+
+Busy as he was in spreading his religious tenets, in fraternizing with
+congenial scientific friends, his thoughts would involuntarily turn back
+to England:
+
+    Here, though I am as happy as this country can make me ... I do
+      not feel as I did in England.
+
+By May, 1796, he had finished his discourses, although he proposed
+concluding with one emphatically Unitarian in character. This was
+expected by his audience, which had been quietly prepared for it and
+received it with open minds and much approval.
+
+On his return to Northumberland he promptly resumed his work on the
+"Church History," but was much disturbed because of the failure of his
+correspondents in writing him regularly, so he became particularly
+active in addressing them. But better still he punctuated his
+composition of sermons, the gradual unfolding of his Church History, and
+religious and literary studies in general, with experimental
+diversions, beginning with the publication (1796) of an octavo brochure
+of 39 pages from the press of Dobson in Philadelphia, in which he
+addressed himself more especially to Berthollet, de la Place, Monge,
+Morveau, Fourcroy and others on "Considerations on the Doctrine of
+Phlogiston and the Decomposition of Water." It is the old story in a
+newer dress. Its purpose was to bring home to Americans afresh his
+particular ideas. The reviewer of the _Medical Repository_ staff was
+evidently impressed by it, for he said:
+
+    It must give pleasure to every philosophical mind to find the
+      United States becoming the theatre of such interesting discussion,
+
+and then adds that the evidence which was weighty enough to turn such
+men as Black and others from the phlogiston idea to that of Lavoisier--
+
+    has never yet appeared to Dr. Priestley considerable enough to
+      influence his judgment, or gain his assent.
+
+Priestley, as frequently observed, entertained grave doubts in regard to
+the constitution of metals. He thought they were "compounded" of a
+certain earth, or calx, and phlogiston. Further he believed that when
+the phlogiston flew away, "the splendour, malleability, and ductility"
+of the metal disappeared with it, leaving behind a calx. Again, he
+contended that when metals dissolved in acids the liberated "inflammable
+air" (hydrogen) did not come from the 'decompounded water' but from the
+phlogiston emitted by the metal.
+
+Also, on the matter of the composition and decomposition of water, he
+held very opposite ideas. The French School maintained "that hydrogenous
+and oxygenous airs, incorporated by drawing through them the electrical
+spark turn to _water_," but Priestley contended that "they combine into
+_smoking nitrous acid_." And thus the discussion proceeded, to be
+answered most intelligently, in 1797, by Adet,[5] whose arguments are
+familiar to all chemists and need not therefore be here repeated. Of
+more interest was the publication of two lectures on Combustion by
+Maclean of Princeton. They filled a pamphlet of 71 pages. It appeared in
+1797, and was, in brief, a refutation of Priestley's presentations, and
+was heartily welcomed as evidence of the "growing taste in America for
+this kind of inquiry." Among other things Maclean said of the various
+ideas regarding combustion--"Becker's is incomplete, Stahl's though
+ingenious, is defective; the antiphlogistic is simple, consistent and
+sufficient, while Priestley's resembling Stahl's but in name, is
+complicated, contradictory and inadequate."
+
+Not all American chemists were ready to side track the explanations of
+Priestley. The distinguished Dr. Mitchill wrote Priestley on what he
+designated "an attempt to accommodate the Disputes among Chemists
+concerning Phlogiston." This was in November, 1797. It is an ingenious
+effort which elicited from Priestley (1798) his sincere thanks, and the
+expressed fear that his labours "will be in vain." And so it proved.
+Present day chemists would acquiesce in this statement after reading
+Mitchill's "middle-of-the-road" arguments. They were not satisfactory to
+Maclean and irritated Priestley.
+
+In June 1798 a second letter was written by Priestley to Mitchill. In it
+he emphasized the substitution of zinc for "finery cinder." From it he
+contended inflammable air could be easily procured, and laid great
+stress on the fact that the "inflammable air" came from the metal and
+not from the water. He wondered why Berthollet and Maclean had not
+answered his first article. To this, a few days later, Mitchill replied
+that he felt there was confusion in terms and that the language
+employed by the various writers had introduced that confusion; then for
+philological reasons and to clarify thoughts Mitchill proposed to strike
+out _azote_ from the nomenclature of the day and take _septon_ in its
+place; he also wished to expunge hydrogene and substitute phlogiston. He
+admitted that Priestley's experiments on zinc were difficult to explain
+by the antiphlogistic doctrine, adding--
+
+    It would give me great satisfaction that we could settle the
+      points of variance on this subject; though, even as it is, I am
+      flattered by your (Priestley's) allowing my attempt 'to reconcile
+      the two theories to be ingenious, plausible and well-meant....
+      Your idea of carrying on a philosophical discussion in an amicable
+      manner is charming'....
+
+But the peace-maker was handling a delicate problem. He recognized this,
+but desired that the pioneer studies, then in progress might escape
+harsh polemics. This was difficult of realization for less than a month
+later fuel was added to the fire by Maclean, when in writing Mitchill,
+who had sent him Priestley's printed letter, he emphatically declared
+that
+
+    The experiment with the zinc does not seem to be of more
+      consequence than that with the iron and admits of an easy
+      explanation on antiphlogistic principles.
+
+And he further insisted that the experiments of Priestley proved water
+to be composed "of hydrogene and oxygene."
+
+Four days later (July 20, 1798) Priestley wrote Mitchill that he had
+replaced zinc by red precipitate and did not get water on decomposing
+inflammable air with the precipitate. Again, August 23, 1798, he related
+to Mitchill
+
+      that the modern doctrine of water consisting of _oxygene_ and
+      _hydrogene_ is not well founded ... water is the basis of all
+      kinds of air, and without it no kind of air can be produced ...
+      not withstanding the great use that the French chemists make of
+      scales and weights, they do not pretend to weigh either their
+      _calorique_ or _light_; and why may not _phlogiston_ escape their
+      researches, when they employ the same instruments in that
+      investigation?
+
+There were in all eight letters sent by Priestley to Mitchill. They
+continued until February, 1799. Their one subject was phlogiston and
+its role in very simple chemical operations. The observations were the
+consequence
+
+      of original and recent experiments, to which I have given a good
+      part of the leisure of the last summer; and I do not propose to do
+      more on the subject till I hear from the great authors of the
+      theory that I combat in America;
+
+but adds,--
+
+    I am glad ... to find several advocates of the system in this
+      country, and some of them, I am confident, will do themselves
+      honour by their candour, as well as by their ability.
+
+This very probably was said as a consequence of the spirited reply James
+Woodhouse[6] made to the papers of Maclean. As known, Woodhouse worked
+unceasingly to overthrow the doctrine of phlogiston, but was evidently
+irritated by Maclean, whom he reminds--
+
+    You are not yet, Doctor, the conqueror of this veteran in
+      Philosophy.
+
+This was a singularly magnanimous speech on Woodhouse's part, for he had
+been hurling sledgehammer blows without rest at the structure
+Priestley thought he had reared about phlogiston and which, he believed,
+most unassailable, so when in 1799 (July) Priestley began his reply to
+his "Antiphlogistian opponents" he took occasion to remark:
+
+    I am happy to find in Dr. Woodhouse one who is equally ingenious
+      and candid; so that I do not think the cause he has undertaken
+      will soon find a more able champion, and I do not regret the
+      absence of M. Berthollet in Egypt.
+
+Noble words these for his young adversary who, in consequence of
+strenuous laboratory work, had acquired a deep respect and admiration
+for Priestley's achievements, though he considered he had gone far
+astray.
+
+The various new, confirmatory ideas put forth by Priestley need not be
+here enumerated. They served their day.
+
+Dr. Mitchill evidently enjoyed this controversial chemical material, for
+he wrote that he hoped the readers of the _Medical Repository_, in which
+the several papers appeared, would
+
+      participate the pleasure we feel on taking a retrospect of our
+      pages, and finding the United States the theatre of so much
+      scientific disquisition.
+
+And yet, when in 1800, a pamphlet of 90 pages bearing the title "The
+Doctrine of Phlogiston established, etc." appeared there was
+consternation in the ranks of American chemists. Woodhouse was aroused.
+He absolutely refuted every point in it experimentally, and Dr. Mitchill
+avowed--
+
+    We decline entering into a minute examination of his experiments,
+      as few of his recitals of them are free from the _triune_ mystery
+      of phlogiston, which exceeds the utmost stretch of our faith; for
+      according to it, _carbon is phlogiston_, and _hydrogen is
+      phlogiston_, and _azote is phlogiston_; and yet there are not
+      _three_ phlogistons, but _one_ phlogiston!
+
+It was imperative to submit the preceding paragraphs on chemical topics,
+notwithstanding they have, in a manner, interrupted the chronological
+arrangement of the activities of the Doctor in his home life. They were,
+it is true, a part of that life--a part that every chemist will note
+with interest and pleasure. They mean that he was not indifferent to
+chemistry, and that it is not to be supposed that he ever could be,
+especially as his visits to Philadelphia brought to his attention
+problems which he would never suffer to go unanswered or unsolved
+because of his interest in so many other things quite foreign to them.
+However, a backward look may be taken before resuming the story of his
+experimental studies.
+
+It has already been said that the non-appearance of letters caused him
+anxiety. For instance he wrote Lindsey, July 28, 1796--
+
+    It is now four months since I have received any letter from you,
+      and it gives me most serious concern.
+
+But finally the longed-for epistle arrived and he became content,
+rejoicing in being able to return the news--
+
+    I do not know that I have more satisfaction from anything I ever
+      did, than from the lay Unitarian congregation I have been the
+      means of establishing in Philadelphia.
+
+For the use of this group of worshipers he had engaged the Common Hall
+in the College (University of Pennsylvania).
+
+But amidst this unceasing activity of body and mind--very evidently
+extremely happy in his surroundings--he was again crushed to earth by
+the death of his noble wife--
+
+    Always caring for others and never for herself.
+
+This occurred nine months after the departure of Harry. It was a fearful
+blow. For more than thirty-four years they had lived most happily
+together. The following tribute, full of deep feeling and esteem attests
+this--
+
+    My wife being a woman of an excellent understanding much improved
+      by reading, of great fortitude and strength of mind, and of a
+      temper in the highest degree affectionate and generous.... Also
+      excelling in everything relating to household affairs, she
+      entirely relieved me of all concern of that kind, which allowed me
+      to give all my time to the prosecution of my studies.
+
+She was not only a true helpmate--courageous and devoted--but certainly
+most desirous that the husband in whom she absolutely believed should
+have nothing to interrupt or arrest the pursuits dear to him and in
+which she herself must have taken great but quiet pride, for she was
+extremely intelligent and original. Madam Belloc has mentioned
+
+    It is a tradition in the family that Mrs. Priestley once sent her
+      famous husband to market with a large basket and that he so
+      acquitted himself that she never sent him again!
+
+The new house, partly planned by her, at the moment well advanced and to
+her fancy, was not to be her home for which she had fondly dreamed.
+
+Priestley was deeply depressed but his habitual submission carried him
+through, although all this is pathetically concealed in his letters.
+
+There were rumours flitting about that Priestley purposed returning to
+England. That his friends might be apprised of his real intentions the
+following letter was permitted to find its way into the newspapers:
+
+                              Northumberland Oct. 4,
+                                                1796
+
+      My dear Sir,
+
+    Every account I have from England makes me think myself happy in
+      this peaceful retirement, where I enjoy almost everything I can
+      wish in this life, and where I hope to close it, though I find it
+      is reported, both here and in England that I am about to return.
+      The two heavy afflictions I have met with here, in the death of a
+      son, and of my wife, rather serve to attract me to the place.
+      Though dead and buried, I would not willingly leave them, and hope
+      to rest with them, when the sovereign disposer of all things shall
+      put a period to my present labours and pursuits.
+
+    The advantages we enjoy in this country are indeed very great.
+      Here we have no poor; we never see a beggar, nor is there a family
+      in want. We have no church establishment, and hardly any taxes.
+      This particular State pays all its officers from a treasure in the
+      public funds. There are very few crimes committed and we travel
+      without the least apprehension of danger. The press is perfectly
+      free, and I hope we shall always keep out of war.
+
+    I do not think there ever was any country in a state of such rapid
+      improvement as this at present; but we have not the same
+      advantages for literary and philosophical pursuits that you have
+      in Europe, though even in this respect we are every day getting
+      better. Many books are now printed here, but what scholars chiefly
+      want are old books, and these are not to be had. We hope, however,
+      that the troubles of Europe will be the cause of sending us some
+      libraries and they say that it is an ill wind that blows no
+      profit.
+
+    I sincerely wish, however, that your troubles were at an end, and
+      from our last accounts we think there must be a peace, at least
+      from the impossibility of carrying on the war.
+
+    With every good wish to my country and to yourself, I am, dear
+      sir,
+
+                              Yours sincerely,
+
+                                  J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Gradually the news went forth that the Doctor contemplated a second
+visit to the metropolis--Philadelphia, the Capital of the young
+Republic. He wrote--
+
+    Having now one tie, and that a strong one, to this place
+      (Northumberland) less than I have had I propose to spend more time
+      in Philadelphia.
+
+As long as he was capable of public speaking it was his desire to carry
+forward his missionary work,
+
+      but the loss of my fore teeth (having now only two in the upper
+      jaw) together with my tendency to stammering, which troubles me
+      sometimes, is much against me.
+
+Accordingly in early January of 1797 he might have been found there. He
+alludes in his correspondence to the presence in the city of C. Volney,
+a French philosopher and historian, who had been imprisoned but regained
+liberty on the overthrow of Robespierre when he became professor of
+history in the _Ecole Normal_. Volney was not particularly pleased with
+Priestley's discourses, and took occasion some weeks later to issue
+
+    VOLNEY'S ANSWER TO PRIESTLEY
+
+which was advertised by the _Aurora_ as on sale by the principal
+booksellers, price 6 cents.
+
+He was exceedingly rejoiced at the flourishing state of the Unitarian
+Society and the manner in which its services were conducted.
+
+On the occasion of his first discourse the English Ambassador, Mr.
+Lister, was in the audience and Priestley dined with him the day
+following.
+
+Friends had prevailed upon Priestley to preach a charity sermon on his
+next Sunday, in one of the Episcopal churches, but in the end it was
+"delivered at the University Hall."
+
+His mind was much occupied with plans for controverting infidelity,
+
+      the progress of which here is independent of all reasoning,--
+
+so he published the third edition of his "Observations on the Increase
+of Infidelity" and an "Outline of the Evidences of Revealed Religion."
+In the first of them he issued a challenge to Volney who was
+
+      much looked up to by unbelievers here.
+
+Volney's only reply was that he would not read the pamphlet. It was in
+these days that Priestley saw a great deal of Thomas Jefferson; indeed,
+the latter attended several of his sermons. The intercourse of these
+friends was extremely valuable to both. Jefferson welcomed everything
+which Priestley did in science and consulted him much on problems of
+education.
+
+At the election in the American Philosophical Society in the closing
+days of 1796 there was openly discussed
+
+      whether to choose me (Priestley) or Mr. Jefferson, President of
+      the Society,--
+
+which prompted the Doctor
+
+      to give his informant good reasons why they should not choose
+      _me_.
+
+Naturally he listened to the political talk. He worried over the
+apparent dislike observed generally to France. He remarked
+
+    The rich not only wish for alliance offensive and defensive with
+      England ... but would have little objection to the former
+      dependence upon it,
+
+and
+
+    The disposition of the lower orders of the people ... for the
+      French ... is not extinguished.
+
+He was much annoyed by Peter Porcupine. The latter was publishing a
+daily paper (1799) and in it frequently brought forward Priestley's name
+in the most opprobrious manner, although Priestley in his own words--
+
+      had nothing to do with the politics of the country.
+
+The Doctor advised friend Lindsey that
+
+    He (Porcupine) every day, advertizes his pamphlet against me, and
+      after my name adds, "commonly known by the name of the fire-brand
+      philosopher."
+
+However, he flattered himself that he would soon be back in
+Northumberland, where he would be usefully engaged, as
+
+    I have cut myself out work for a year at least ... besides
+      attending to my experiments.
+
+Mr. Adams had come into the Presidency, so Priestley very properly went
+to pay his respects and
+
+      take leave of the late President (Washington)
+
+whom he thought in not very good spirits, although
+
+      he invited me to Mount Vernon and said he thought he should hardly
+      go from home twenty miles as long as he lived.
+
+Priestley's fame was rapidly spreading through the land. Thoughtful men
+were doing him honor in many sections of the country, as is evident from
+the following clipping from a Portland (Me.) paper for March 27, 1797:--
+
+    On Friday the twenty-fourth a number of gentlemen, entertaining a
+      high sense of the character, abilities and services of the
+      Reverend Doctor JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, as a friend and promoter of true
+      science dined together at the Columbian Tavern, in commemoration
+      of his birth. The following toasts were given.
+
+    1. That Illustrious Christian and Philosopher, Joseph Priestley:
+       May the world be as grateful to him for his services as his
+       services are beneficial to the world.
+
+    2. May the names of Locke, Newton, Montesquieu, Hartley and
+       Franklin be had in everlasting remembrance.
+
+    3. The great gift of God to man, Reason! May it influence the
+       world in policy, in laws, and in religion.
+
+    4. TRUTH: May the splendour of her charms dissipate the gloom of
+       superstition, and expel hypocricy from the heart of man.
+
+    5. May our laws be supported by religion: but may religion never be
+       supported by law.
+
+    6. White-robed Charity: May she accompany us in all our steps and
+       cover us with a mantle of love.
+
+    7. Christians of all denominations: May they "love one another."
+
+    As it was a "feast of reason" the purest philanthrophy dignified
+      the conversation; and moderation and temperance bounded every
+      effusion of the heart.
+
+It was in the summer of 1797 that he carried forward his work on
+Phlogiston, alluded to on p. 81. He understood quite well that the
+entire chemical world was against him but he was not able to find good
+reasons
+
+      to despair of the old system.
+
+It must be remembered that in these days, also, he had Thomas Cooper
+with him. With this gentleman he discussed his scientific studies and
+with him also he carried on many arguments upon the burning subject of
+infidelity, about which he continuously wrote his friends in this
+country and in England. It was quite generally believed that Cooper was
+an infidel. Never, however, did their intimacy suffer in the slightest
+by their conflicting views.
+
+The _Church History_ continued to hold Priestley's first thought. He was
+a busy student, occupied with a diversity of interests and usually
+cheerful and eager to follow up new lines of endeavor. The arrival of
+vessels from the home country was closely watched. Books and apparatus
+were brought by them. While, as observed, he was singularly cheerful and
+happy, he confessed at times that
+
+      my character as a philosopher is under a cloud.
+
+Yet, this was but a momentary depression, for he uttered in almost the
+same breath--
+
+    Everything will be cleared up in a reasonable time.
+
+Amid the constant daily duties he found real solace in his scientific
+pursuits; indeed when he was quite prepared to abandon all his
+activities he declared of his experiments that he could not stop them
+for
+
+    I consider them as that study of the works of the great Creator,
+      which I shall resume with more advantage hereafter.
+
+He advised his friends Lindsey and Belsham--
+
+    I cannot express what _I_ feel on receiving your letters. They set
+      my thoughts afloat, so that I can do nothing but ruminate a
+      long time; but it is a most pleasing melancholy.
+
+Far removed from European events he was nevertheless ever keen and alert
+concerning them. Then the winter of 1797 appears to have been very
+severe. His enforced confinement to home probably gave rise to an
+introspection, and a slight disappointment in matters which had formerly
+given him pleasure. For example, he puzzled over the fact that on his
+second visit to Philadelphia, Mr. Adams was present but once at his
+lectures, and remarks--
+
+    When my lectures were less popular, and he was near his
+      presidentship, he left me, making a kind of apology, from the
+      members of the principal Presbyterian Church having offered him a
+      pew there. He seemed to interest himself in my favour against M.
+      Volney, but did not subscribe to my Church History ... I suppose
+      he was not pleased that I did not adopt his dislike of the French.
+
+When January of 1798 arrived his joy was great. A box of books had come.
+Among them was a General Dictionary which he regarded as a real
+treasure. Reading was now his principal occupation. He found the making
+of many experiments irksome and seemed, all at once, "quite averse to
+having his hands so much in water." Presumably these were innocent
+excuses for his devotion to the Church History which had been brought up
+to date. Furthermore he was actually contemplating transplanting himself
+to France. But with it all he wrote assiduously on religious topics, and
+was highly pleased with the experimental work he had sent to Dr.
+Mitchill (p. 85).
+
+He advised his friends of the "intercepted letters" which did him much
+harm when they were published. They called down upon him severest
+judgement and suspicion, and made him--
+
+      disliked by all the friends of the ruling power in this country.
+
+It may be well to note that these "intercepted letters" were found on a
+Danish ship, inclosed in a cover addressed to
+
+      DR. PRIESTLEY, IN AMERICA
+
+They came from friends, English and French, living in Paris. They
+abounded
+
+      with matter of the most serious reflection.... If the animosity of
+      these apostate Englishmen against their own country, their
+      conviction that no submissions will avert our danger, and their
+      description of the engines employed by the Directory for our
+      destruction, were impressed as they ought to be, upon the minds of
+      all our countrymen, we should certainly never again be told of the
+      innocent designs of these traitors, or their associates--
+
+The preceding quotation is from a booklet containing exact copies of the
+"intercepted letters."
+
+In the first of the letters, dated Feb. 12, 1798, the correspondent of
+Priestley tells that he had met a young Frenchman who had visited
+Northumberland
+
+      and we all rejoiced at the aggreeable information that at the
+      peace you would not fail to revisit Europe; and that he hoped you
+      would fix yourself in this country (France). Whether you fix
+      yourself here or in England, (_as England will then be_) is
+      probably a matter of little importance ... but we all think you are
+      misplaced where you are, though, no doubt, in the way of
+      _usefulness_--
+
+The editor of the letters annotates _usefulness_ thus:
+
+    Dr. Priestley is _in the way of usefulness_ in America, because he
+      is labouring there, as his associates are in Europe, to disunite
+      the people from their government, and to introduce the blessings
+      of French anarchy.
+
+These "intercepted letters" in no way prove that Dr. Priestley was
+engaged in any movement against his native land or against his adopted
+country. However, the whole world was in an uproar. People were ready to
+believe the worst regarding their fellows, so it is not surprising that
+he should have declared himself "disliked."
+
+He alludes frequently to the marvelous changes taking place in the
+States. Everything was in rapid motion. Taxes were the topic of
+conversation on all sides.
+
+To divert his philosophizing he busied himself in his laboratory where
+many "original experiments were made." He avoided the crowd. There was
+too great a party spirit. Indeed, there was violence, so he determined
+not to visit Philadelphia. He sought to escape the "rancorous abuse"
+which was being hurled at him--
+
+      as a citizen of France.
+
+One must read his correspondence to fully appreciate Priestley during
+the early days of 1799. What must have been his mental condition when he
+wrote Lindsey--
+
+    As to a public violent death the idea of that does not affect me
+      near so much
+
+and
+
+    I cannot express what I feel when I receive and read your letters.
+      I generally shed many tears over them.
+
+There was no assurance in financial and commercial circles. The hopes of
+neither the more sober, nor of the wild and fanatic reformers of
+humanity could be realized, and they got into such a war of hate and
+abuse that they themselves stamped their doctrines false.
+
+Priestley was out of patience with the public measures of the country.
+He disliked them as much as he did those of England, but added
+
+    Here the excellence of the Constitution provides a remedy, if the
+      people will make use of it, and if not, they deserve what they
+      suffer.
+
+The Constitution was a favorite instrument with him. A most interesting
+lecture upon it will be found among the _Discourses_ which he proposed
+delivering in Philadelphia. This never occurred.
+
+The Academy he expected to see in operation failed for support. The
+walls were raised and he feared it would go no further. The Legislature
+had voted it $3000, but the Senate negatived this act. He thought of
+giving up the presidency of it.
+
+He wrote Dr. Rush that he was quite busy with replies to Dr. Woodhouse's
+attack on his confirmation of the existence of phlogiston, (p. 88). He
+relished his discussions with Woodhouse and was confident that
+eventually he would "overturn the French system of chemistry." He
+further remarked to Rush--
+
+    Were you at liberty to make an excursion as far as these _back
+      woods_ I shall be happy to see you, and so would many others.
+
+But at that particular moment Rush was too much engaged in combating
+yellow fever, which again ravaged Philadelphia, and all who could, fled,
+and the streets were "lifeless and dead." The prevalence of this fearful
+plague was a potent factor in Priestley's failure to visit the City
+during the year--the last year of a closing Century which did not end in
+the prosperity anticipated for it in the hopeful months and years
+following the war. It seemed, in many ways, to be the end of an era.
+Washington died December 14, 1799, and the Federalists' tenure of power
+was coming to a close. The Jeffersonians, aided by eight of the
+electoral votes of Pennsylvania, won the victory, amid outbursts of
+unprecedented political bitterness. It was, therefore, very wise that
+the Doctor remained quietly at home in Northumberland with his
+experiments and Church History.
+
+The new Century--the 19th--found our beloved philosopher at times quite
+proud of the success he had with his experiments and full of genuine
+hope that "phlogiston" was established; and again dejected because of
+the "coarse and low articles" directed against him by the prints of the
+day. To offset, in a measure, the distrust entertained for him because
+of the "intercepted letters" he addressed a series of _Letters_ to the
+inhabitants of Northumberland and vicinity. These were explanatory of
+his views. At home they were most satisfying but in the city they
+brought upon him "more abuse." And, so, he translated a passage from
+Petrarch which read--
+
+      By civil fueds exiled my native home,
+      Resign'd, though injured, hither I have come.
+      Here, groves and streams, delights of rural ease;
+      Yet, where the associates, wont to serve and please;
+      The aspect bland, that bade the heart confide?
+      Absent from these, e'en here, no joys abide.
+
+And these were incorporated in his brochure.
+
+Having alluded to the _Letters_ addressed to the Northumberland folks,
+it may be proper to introduce a letter which Priestley received from Mr.
+Jefferson, whom the former was disposed to hold as "in many respects
+the first man in this Country:"
+
+                        Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1800.
+
+  Dear Sir--
+
+    I thank you for the pamphlets (Letters) you were so kind as to
+      send me. You will know what I thought of them by my having before
+      sent a dozen sets to Virginia, to distribute among my friends; yet
+      I thank you not the less for these, which I value the more as they
+      came from yourself.
+
+    The papers of Political Arithmetic, both in yours and Mr. Cooper's
+      pamphlets, are the most precious gifts that can be made to us; for
+      we are running navigation-mad, and commerce-mad, and Navy-mad,
+      which is worst of all. How desirable it is that you should pursue
+      that subject for us. From the porcupines of our country you will
+      receive no thanks, but the great mass of our nation will edify,
+      and thank you.
+
+    How deeply have I been chagrined and mortified at the persecutions
+      which fanaticism and monarchy have excited against you, even here!
+      At first, I believed it was merely a continuance of the English
+      persecution; but I observe that, on the demise of Porcupine, and
+      the division of his inheritance between Fenno and Brown, the
+      latter (though succeeding only to the Federal portion of
+      Porcupinism, not the Anglican, which is Fenno's part) serves up
+      for the palate of his sect dishes of abuse against you as
+      high-seasoned as Porcupine's were. You have sinned against Church
+      and King, and therefore can never be forgiven. How sincerely I
+      have regretted that your friend, before he fixed a choice of
+      position, did not visit the valleys on each side of the blue range
+      in Virginia, as Mr. Madison and myself so much wished. You would
+      have found there equal soil, the finest climate, and the most
+      healthy air on the earth, the homage of universal reverence and
+      love, and the power of the country spread over you as a shield;
+      but, since you would not make it your Country by adoption, you
+      must now do it by your good offices.
+
+Mr. Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, so approved the "Letters"
+that he got a new edition of them printed at Albany.
+
+The following letter to this same gentleman, although upon another
+subject than the "Letters" is not devoid of interest. It has come into
+the writer's hands through the kind offices of Dr. Thomas L. Montgomery,
+State Librarian of Pennsylvania:
+
+  Sir,
+
+    I think myself much honoured by your letter, and should have
+      thought myself singularly happy if my situation had been near to
+      such a person as you. Persons engaged in scientific pursuits are
+      few in this country. Indeed, they are not very numerous anywhere.
+      In other respects I think myself very happy where I am.
+
+    I have never given much attention to machines of any kind, and
+      therefore cannot pretend to decide concerning your proposal for
+      the improvement of the fire engine. It appears to me to deserve
+      attention. But I do not for want of a drawing see in what manner
+      the steam is to be let into the cylinder, or discharged from it.
+      There would be, I fear, an objection to it from the force
+      necessary to raise the column of mercury, and from the evaporation
+      of the mercury in the requisite heat. I have found that it loses
+      weight in 70 deg. Fahrenheit. If the mercury was pure, I should not
+      apprehend much from the calcination of it, though, as I have
+      observed, the agitation of it in water, converts a part of it into
+      a black powder, which I propose to examine farther.
+
+    If travelling was attended with no fewer inconveniences here than
+      it is in England, I should certainly wait upon you and some other
+      friends at New York. But this, and my age, render it impossible,
+      and it would be unreasonable to expect many visitors in this _back
+      woods_.
+
+    I shall be very happy to be favoured with your correspondence, and
+      am,
+
+                                    Sir,
+
+                                Yours sincerely,
+
+                                  J. PRIESTLEY
+
+Northumberland April 16, 1799.
+
+In this period Thomas Cooper was convicted of libel. He was thrown into
+prison. Priestley regarded him as a rising man in the Country.[7] He
+said the act was the last blow of the Federal party "which is now broke
+up."
+
+Priestley's daughter, in England, was ill at this time. Her life was
+despaired of and tidings from her were few and most distressing, but the
+Doctor maintained a quiet and calm assurance of her recovery.
+
+Subsequent correspondence between Mr. Jefferson and Priestley had much
+in it about the new College which the former contemplated for the State
+of Virginia. Indeed, the thought was entertained that Priestley himself
+might become a professor in it, but his advanced age, he contended
+forbade this, although he was agreeable to the idea of getting
+professors from Europe.
+
+Here, perhaps, may well be included several letters, now in possession
+of the Library of Congress, which reveal the attitude of Dr. Priestley
+toward President Jefferson, who was indeed most friendly to him:
+
+  Dear Sir--
+
+    I am flattered by your thinking so favourably of my _pamphlets_,
+      which were only calculated to give some satisfaction to my
+      suspicious neighbours. Chancellor Livingston informs me that he
+      has got an edition of them printed at Albany, for the information
+      of the people in the back country, where, he says, it is so much
+      wanted. Indeed, it seems extraordinary, that in such a country as
+      this, where there is no court to dazzle men's eyes a maxim as
+      plain as that 2 and 2 make 4 should not be understood, and acted
+      upon. It is evident that the bulk of mankind are governed by
+      something very different from reasoning and argument. This
+      principle must have its influence even in your Congress, for if
+      the members are not convinced by the excellent speeches of Mr.
+      Gallatin and Nicolas, neither would they be persuaded tho one
+      should rise from the dead.
+
+    It is true that I had more to do with colleges, and places of
+      education, than most men in Europe; but I would not pretend to
+      advise in this country. I will, however, at my leisure, propose
+      such _hints_ as shall occur to me; and if you want tutors from
+      England, I can recommend some very good ones. Were I a few years
+      younger, and more moveable, I should make interest for some
+      appointment in your institution myself; but age and inactivity are
+      fast approaching, and I am so fixed here, that a remove is
+      absolutely impossible, unless you were possessed of _Aladin's
+      lamp_, and could transport my house, library, and laboratory,
+      into Virginia without trouble or expense.
+
+    On my settlement here the gentlemen in the neighbourhood, thinking
+      to make me of some use, set on foot a college, of which I gave
+      them the plan, and they got it incorporated, and made me the
+      president; but tho I proposed to give lectures _gratis_, and had
+      the disposal of a valuable library at the decease of a learned
+      friend (new, near so), and had it in my power to render them
+      important service in various ways, yet, owing I suspect, in part
+      at least, to religious and political prejudices, nothing more has
+      been done, besides marking the site of a building these five
+      years, so that I have told them I shall resign.
+
+    I much wish to have some conversation with you on social subjects;
+      but I cannot expect that the Vice President of the United States
+      should visit me in my _shed_ at Northumberland, and I cannot come
+      to you. I intended on my settling here to have spent a month or so
+      every winter at Philadelphia, but the state of the times, and
+      various accidents, have a little deranged my finances, and I
+      prefer to spend what I can spare on my experiments, and
+      publication, rather than in travelling and seeing my friends.
+
+          With the greatest respect, I am,
+              Dear Sir,
+                  Yours sincerely,
+                      J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Northumberland Jan. 30, 1800.
+
+  Dear Sir--
+
+    I enclose my thoughts on the subject you did me the honour to
+      propose to me. Your own better judgment will decide concerning
+      their value, or their fitness for the circumstances of your
+      College. This may require a very different distribution of the
+      business from that which I here recommend.
+
+    I thank you for your care to transmit a copy of my works to Bp.
+      Madison. He, as well as many others, speaks of the increasing
+      spread of republican principles in this country. I wish I could
+      see the effects of it. But I fear we flatter ourselves, and if I
+      be rightly informed, my poor _Letters_ have done more harm than
+      good. I can only say that I am a sincere well wisher to this
+      country, and the purity and stability of its constitution.
+
+                  Yours sincerely,
+                    J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Northumberland May 8, 1800.
+
+     HINTS CONCERNING PUBLIC EDUCATION
+
+     Persons educated at public seminaries are of two classes. One is
+     that of professional men, and physicians and divines who are to be
+     qualified for entering upon their professions immediately after
+     leaving the college or university. The other is that of gentlemen,
+     and those who are designed for offices of civil and active life.
+     The former must be minutely instructed in everything adding to
+     their several professions, whereas to the latter a general
+     knowledge of the several branches of science is sufficient. To the
+     former, especially that of Medicine, several professors are
+     necessary, as the business must be subdivided, in order to be
+     taught to advantage. For the purpose of the latter fewer professors
+     are wanted, as it is most advisable to give them only the elements
+     of the several branches of knowledge, to which they may afterwards
+     give more particular attention, as they may have a disposition or
+     convenience for it.
+
+     Lawyers are not supposed to be qualified for entering upon their
+     professions at any place of public education. They are therefore to
+     be considered as gentlemen to whom a general knowledge is
+     sufficient. It is advisable, however, that when any subject, as
+     that of Medicine, is much divided, and distributed among a number
+     of professors, lectures of a more general and popular nature be
+     provided for the other classes of students, to whom some knowledge
+     of the subject may be very useful. A general knowledge, for
+     example, of anatomy and of medicine, too, is useful to all persons,
+     and therefore ought not to be omitted in any scheme of liberal
+     education. And if in a regular school of medicine any of the
+     professors would undertake this, it might serve as an useful
+     introduction to that more particular and accurate knowledge which
+     is necessary for practiced physicians.
+
+     The branches of knowledge which are necessary to the teachers of
+     religion are not so many, or so distinct from each other, but that
+     they may all be taught by one professor, as far as is necessary to
+     qualify persons for commencing preachers. To acquire more
+     knowledge, as that of the scriptures, ecclesistical history, etc.
+     must be the business of their future lives. But every person
+     liberally educated should have a general knowledge of Metaphysics,
+     the theory of morals, and religion; and therefore some popular
+     lectures of this kind should be provided for the students in
+     general.
+
+     One professor of antient languages may be sufficient for a place of
+     liberal education, and I would not make any provision for
+     instruction in the modern languages, for tho the knowledge of
+     them, as well as skill in fencing, dancing and riding, is proper
+     for gentlemen liberally educated, instruction in them may be
+     procured on reasonable terms without burdening the funds of the
+     seminary with them.
+
+     Abstract Mathematics, and Natural Philosophy, are so distinct, that
+     they require different teachers. One is sufficient for the former,
+     but the latter must be subdivided, one for natural history, another
+     for experimental Philosophy in general and a third for chemistry;
+     in consequence of the great extension of this branch of
+     experimental Philosophy of late years. The botany, mineralogy, and
+     other branches of natural history are sufficiently distinct to
+     admit of different professors, nothing more than a general
+     knowledge of each of them, and directions for acquiring a more
+     extended knowledge of them is necessary at any place of education.
+
+     Two or three Schools of Medicine I should think sufficient for all
+     the United States for some years to come, but with respect to these
+     I do not pretend to give any opinion not having sufficient
+     knowledge of the subject. Places of liberal education in general
+     should be made more numerous, and for each of them I should think
+     the following professors (if the funds of the Society will admit of
+     it) should be engaged, _viz._ (1) For the antient languages. (2)
+     The Belles Lettres, including universal Grammar, Oratory, criticism
+     and bibliography. (3) Mathematics. (4) Natural history. (5)
+     Experimental Philosophy. (6) Chemistry, including the theory of
+     Agriculture. (7) Anatomy and Medicine. (8) Geography and history,
+     Law, and general policy. (9) Metaphysics, morals, and theology.
+
+     A course of liberal education should be as comprehensive as
+     possible. For this purpose a large and well chosen _library_ will
+     be of great use. Not that the students should be encouraged to read
+     books while they are under tuition, but an opportunity of seeing
+     books, and looking into them, will give them a better idea of the
+     value of them than they could get by merely hearing of them, and
+     they would afterwards better know what books to purchase when they
+     should have the means and the leisure for the perusal of them. A
+     large collection of books will also be useful to the lecturer in
+     _bibliography_ and would recommend the seminary to the professors
+     in general, and make it a desirable place of residence for
+     gentlemen of a studious turn.
+
+     2. In order to engage able professors, some fixed salaries are
+     necessary; but they should not be much more than a bare
+     subsistence. They will then have a motive to exert themselves, and
+     by the fees of students their emoluments may be ample. The
+     professorships in the English universities, which are largely
+     endowed, are sinecures; while those in Scotland, to which small
+     stipends are annexed, are filled by able and active men.
+
+     3. It is not wise to engage any persons who are much advanced in
+     life, or of established reputation for efficient teachers. They
+     will not be so active as younger men who have a character to
+     acquire. They will also better accommodate their lectures to the
+     increasing light of the age, whereas old men will be attached to
+     old systems, tho ever so imperfect. Besides, they are the most
+     expert in teaching who have lately learned, and the minutae of
+     science, which are necessary to a teacher, are generally forgotten
+     by good scholars who are advanced in life, and it is peculiarly
+     irksome to relearn them.
+
+     4. I would not without necessity have recourse to any foreign
+     country for professors. They will expect too much deference, and
+     the natives will be jealous of them.
+
+     5. Three things must be attended to in the education of youth. They
+     must be _taught_, _fed_ and _governed_ and each of these requires
+     very different qualifications. They who are the best qualified to
+     teach are often the most unfit to govern, and it is generally
+     advisable that neither of these have anything to do with providing
+     victuals. In the English universities all these affairs are
+     perfectly distinct. The _tutors_ only teach, the _proctors_
+     superintend the discipline, and the _cooks_ provide the victuals.
+
+Philadelphia, Apr. 10, 1801.
+
+  Dear Sir--
+
+    Your kind letter, which, considering the numerous engagements
+      incident to your situation, I had no right to expect, was highly
+      gratifying to me, and I take the first opportunity of
+      acknowledging it. For tho I believe I am completely recovered from
+      my late illness, I am advised to write as little as possible. Your
+      invitation to pay you a visit is flattering to me in the highest
+      degree, and I shall not wholly despair of some time or other
+      availing myself of it, but for the present I must take the nearest
+      way home.
+
+    Your resentment of the treatment I have met with in this country
+      is truly generous, but I must have been but little impressed with
+      the principles of the religion you so justly commend, if they had
+      not enabled me to bear much more than I have yet suffered. Do not
+      suppose that, after the much worse treatment to which I was for
+      many years exposed in England (of which the pamphlet I take the
+      liberty to inclose will give you some idea) I was much affected by
+      this. My _Letters to the Inhabitants of Northumberland_ were not
+      occasioned by any such thing, tho it served me as a pretense for
+      writing them, but the threatenings of Mr. Pickering, whose purpose
+      to send me out of the country Mr. Adams (as I conclude from a
+      circuitous attempt that he made to prevent it) would not, in the
+      circumstances in which he then was, have been able to directly
+      oppose. My publication was of service to me in that and other
+      respects and I hope, in some measure, to the common cause. But had
+      it not been for the extreme absurdity and violence of the late
+      administration, I do not know how far the measures might not have
+      been carried. I rejoice more than I can express in the glorious
+      reverse that has taken place, and which has secured your election.
+      This I flatter myself will be the permanent establishment of truly
+      republican principles in this country, and also contribute to the
+      same desirable event in more distant ones.
+
+    I beg you would not trouble yourself with any answer to this. The
+      knowledge of your good opinion and good wishes, is quite
+      sufficient for me. I feel for the difficulties of your situation,
+      but your spirit and prudence will carry you thro them, tho not
+      without paying the tax which the wise laws of nature have imposed
+      upon preeminence and celebrity of every kind, a tax which, for
+      want of true greatness of mind, neither of your predecessors, if I
+      estimate their characters aright, paid without much reluctance.
+
+            With every good wish, I am,
+                Dear Sir,
+                    Yours sincerely,
+                            J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+  P.S.
+
+    As I trust that _Politics_ will not make you forget what is due to
+      _science_, I shall send you a copy of some articles that are just
+      printed for the _Transactions of the Philosophical Society_ in
+      this place. No. (5) p. 36 is the most deserving of your notice. I
+      should have sent you my _Defence of Phlogiston_, but that I
+      presume you have seen it.
+
+                                    June, 1802.
+  To Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America.
+
+  Sir,
+
+    My high respect for your character, as a politician, and a man,
+      makes me desirous of connecting my name, in some measure with
+      yours while it is in my power, by means of some publication, to do
+      it.
+
+    The first part of this work, which brought the history to the fall
+      of the western empire, was dedicated to a zealous friend of civil
+      and religious liberty, but in a private station. What he, or any
+      other friend of liberty in Europe, could only do by their good
+      wishes, by writing, or by patriot suffering, you, Sir, are
+      actually accomplishing, and upon a theatre of great and growing
+      extent.
+
+    It is the boast of this country to have a constitution the most
+      favourable to political liberty, and private happiness, of any in
+      the world, and all say that it was yourself, more than any other
+      individual, that planned and established it; and to this opinion
+      your conduct in various public offices, and now in the highest,
+      gives the clearest attestation.
+
+   Many have appeared the friends of the rights of man while they were
+      subject to the power of others, and especially when they were
+      sufferers by it; but I do not recollect one besides yourself who
+      retained the same principles, and acted by them, in a station of
+      real power. You, Sir, have done more than this; having proposed to
+      relinquish some part of the power which the constitution gave you;
+      and instead of adding to the burden of the people, it has been
+      your endeavour to lighten those burdens tho the necessary
+      consequence must be the diminution of your influence. May this
+      great example, which I doubt not will demonstrate the
+      practicability of truly republican principles, by the actual
+      existence of a form of government calculated to answer all the
+      useful purposes of government (giving equal protection to all, and
+      leaving every man in the possession of every power that he can
+      exercise to his own advantage, without infringing on the equal
+      liberty of others) be followed in other countries, and at length
+      become universal.
+
+    Another reason why I wish to prefix your name to this work, and
+      more appropriate to the subject of it, is that you have ever been
+      a strenuous and uniform advocate of religious no less than civil
+      liberty, both in your own state of Virginia, and in the United
+      States in general, seeing in the clearest light the various and
+      great mischiefs that have arisen from any particular form of
+      religion being favoured by the State more than any other; so that
+      the profession or practice of religion is here as free as that of
+      philosophy, or medicine. And now the experience of more than
+      twenty years leaves little room to doubt but that it is a state,
+      of things the most favourable to mutual candour, which is of great
+      importance to domestic peace and good neighbourhood and to the
+      cause of all truth, religious truth least of all excepted. When
+      every question is thus left to free discussion, there cannot be a
+      doubt but that truth will finally prevail, and establish itself by
+      its own evidence; and he must know little of mankind, or of human
+      nature, who can imagine that truth of any kind will be ultimately
+      unfavourable to general happiness. That man must entertain a
+      secret suspicion of his own principles who wishes for any
+      exclusive advantage in his defence or profession of them.
+
+    Having fled from a state of persecution in England, and having been
+      exposed to some degree of danger in the late administration here, I
+      naturally feel the greater satisfaction in the prospect of passing
+      the remainder of an active life (when I naturally wish for repose)
+      under your protection. Tho arrived at the usual term of human life
+      it is now only that I can say I see nothing to fear from the hand
+      of power, the government under which I live being for the first
+      time truly favourable to me. And tho it will be evident to all who
+      know me that I have never been swayed by the mean principle of
+      fear, it is certainly a happiness to be out of the possibility of
+      its influence, and to end ones days in peace, enjoying some degree
+      of rest before the state of more perfect rest in the grave, and
+      with the hope of rising to a state of greater activity, security
+      and happiness beyond it. This is all that any man can wish for, or
+      have; and this, Sir, under your administration, I enjoy.
+
+    With the most perfect attachment, and every good wish I subscribe
+      myself not your subject, or humble servant, but your sincere
+      admirer.
+
+                J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+  Dear Sir,
+
+    As there are some particulars in a letter I have lately received
+      from Mr. Stone at Paris which I think it will give you pleasure to
+      have, and Mr. Cooper has been so obliging as to translate them for
+      me, I take the liberty to send them, along with a copy of my
+      _Dedication_, with the correction that you suggested, and a Note
+      from the latter with which you favoured me concerning what you did
+      with respect to the _constitution_, and which is really more than
+      I had ascribed to you. For almost everything of importance to
+      political liberty in that instrument was, as it appears to me,
+      suggested by you, and as this was unknown to myself, and I believe
+      is so with the world in general, I was unwilling to omit this
+      opportunity of noticing it.
+
+    I shall be glad if you will be so good as to engage any person
+      sufficiently qualified to draw up such an account of the
+      _constitutional forms_ of this country as my friends say will be
+      agreeable to the emperor, and I will transmit it to Mr. Stone.
+
+    Not knowing any certain method of sending a letter to France and
+      presuming that you do I take the liberty to inclose my letter to
+      Mr. Stone. It is, however, so written that no danger can arise to
+      him from it, into whatever hands it may fall.
+
+    The state of my health, though, I thank God, much improved, will
+      not permit me to avail myself of your kind invitation to pay you a
+      visit. Where ever I am, you may depend upon my warmest attachment
+      and best wishes.
+
+                                    J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Northumberland Oct. 29, 1802.
+
+  P.S.
+
+    I send a copy of the _Preface_ as well as of the _Dedication_,
+      that you may form some idea of the work you are pleased to
+      patronize.
+
+Northumberland Jan. 25, 1803.
+
+  Dear Sir,
+
+    As you were pleased to think favourably of my pamphlet entitled
+      _Socrates and Jesus compared_, I take the liberty to send you a
+      _defence_ of it. My principal object, you will perceive, was to
+      lay hold of the opportunity, given me by Mr. B. Linn, to excite
+      some attention to doctrines which I consider as of peculiar
+      importance in the Christian system, and which I do not find to
+      have been discussed in this country.
+
+    The Church History is, I hope, by this time in the hands of the
+      bookseller at Philadelphia, so that you will soon, if my
+      directions have been attended to, receive a copy of the work which
+      I have the honour to dedicate to you.
+
+    With the greatest respect and attachment, I am
+
+                        Dear Sir,
+                            Yours sincerely,
+                                J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+  Dear Sir,
+
+    I take the liberty to send you _a second defence of my pamphlet
+      about Socrates_, on the 16th page of which you will find that I
+      have undertaken the task you were pleased to recommend to me. On
+      giving more attention to it, I found, as the fox did with respect
+      to the lion, that my apprehensions entirely vanished. Indeed, I
+      have already accomplished a considerable part of the work, and in
+      about a year from this time I hope to finish the whole, provided
+      my health, which is very precarious, be continued in the state in
+      which it now is. I directed a copy of the _tract on phlogiston_
+      to be sent to you from Philadelphia, and I shall order another,
+      which, together with the inclosed papers, I shall be much obliged
+      to you if you will convey to. Mr. Livingston. Please also to cast
+      an eye over them yourself; and if you can with propriety promote
+      my interest by any representation of yours, I am confident you
+      will do it.
+
+    When you wrote to me at the commencement of your administration,
+      you said "the only dark speck in our horizon is in Louisiana." By
+      your excellent conduct it is now the brightest we have to look to.
+
+    Mr. Vaughan having applied to me for a copy of my Harmony of the
+      Evangelists, which was not to be had in Philadelphia, and
+      intimated that it was for you, my son, whose copy is more perfect
+      than mine, begs the honour of your acceptance of it, as a mark of
+      his high esteem, in which he has the hearty concurrence of
+
+                        Dear Sir,
+                            Yours sincerely,
+                                J. PRIESTLEY.
+
+Northumberland Dec. 12, 1803.
+
+His European correspondents were informed that he was much engaged with
+religious matters. While his theological views were not received very
+graciously yet he found
+
+      some young men of a serious and inquisitive turn, who read my
+      works, and are confirmed Unitarians.
+
+In one of his communications to Lindsey, written in April 1800, he
+expresses himself in the following most interesting way relative to his
+scientific engagements. American men of science will welcome it: This is
+the message:
+
+    I send along with this an account of a course of experiments of as
+      much importance as almost any that I have ever made. Please to
+      shew it to Mr. Kirwan, and give it either to Mr. Nicholson for his
+      journal, or to Mr. Phillips for his magazine, as you please. I was
+      never more busy or more successful in this way, when I was in
+      England; and I am very thankful to Providence for the means and
+      the leisure for these pursuits, which next to theological studies,
+      interest me the most. Indeed, there is a natural alliance between
+      them, as there must be between the word and the works of God.
+
+He was now at work apparently in his own little laboratory adjacent to
+his dwelling place. For more than a century this structure has remained
+practically as it was in the days of Priestley. In it he did remarkable
+things, in his judgment; thus refuting the general idea that after his
+arrival in America nothing of merit in the scientific direction was
+accomplished by him. The satisfactory results, mentioned to Lindsey,
+were embodied in a series of "Six Chemical Essays" which eventually
+found their way into the Transactions of the American Philosophical
+Society. It is a miscellany of observations. In it are recorded the
+results found on passing the "vapour of spirit of nitre" over iron
+turnings, over copper, over perfect charcoal, charcoal of bones, melted
+lead, tin and bismuth; and there appears a note to the effect that in
+Papin's digester "a solution of caustic alkali, aided by heat, made a
+_liquor silicum_ with pounded flint glass." There is also given a
+description of a pyrophorus obtained from iron and sulphur. More
+interesting, however, was the account of the change of place in
+different kinds of air, "through several interposing substances," in
+which Priestley recognized distinctly for the first time, the phenomena
+of gaseous diffusion. There are also references to the absorption of air
+by water, and of course, as one would expect from the Doctor, for it
+never failed, there is once more emphasized "certain facts pertaining to
+phlogiston." His friends were quite prepared for such statements. They
+thought of Joseph Priestley and involuntarily there arose the idea of
+phlogiston.
+
+The little workshop or laboratory, in Northumberland, where these facts
+were gathered, will soon be removed to the Campus of Pennsylvania State
+College. It will be preserved with care and in it, it is hoped, will be
+gradually assembled everything to be found relating to the noble soul
+who once disclosed Nature's secrets in this simple primitive structure,
+which American chemists should ever cherish, and hold as a Mecca for all
+who would look back to the beginnings of chemical research in our
+beloved country.
+
+How appropriate it would be could there be deposited in the little
+laboratory, the apparatus owned and used by Priestley, which at present
+constitutes and for many years past has formed an attractive collection
+in Dickinson College, (Pa.) There would be the burning lens, the
+reflecting telescope, the refracting telescope (probably one of the
+first achromatic telescopes made), the air-gun, the orrery, and flasks
+with heavy ground necks, and heavy curved tubes with ground
+stoppers--all brought (to Dickinson) through the instrumentality of
+Thomas Cooper, "the greatest man in America in the powers of his mind
+and acquired information and that without a single exception" according
+to Thomas Jefferson.
+
+And how the Library would add to the glory of the place, but, alas! it
+has been scattered far and wide, for in 1816, Thomas Dobson advertised
+the same for sale in a neatly printed pamphlet of 96 pages. In it were
+many scarce and valuable books. The appended prices ranged quite widely,
+reaching in one case the goodly sum of two hundred dollars!
+
+And as future chemists visit this unique reminder of Dr. Priestley it
+should be remembered that on the piazza of the dwelling house there
+assembled August 1, 1874, a group of men who planned then and there for
+the organization of the present American Chemical Society.
+
+The "Essays," previously mentioned, will be found intensely interesting
+but they are somewhat difficult to read because of their strange
+nomenclature. Here is Priestley's account of the method pursued by him
+to get nitrogen:
+
+    Pure phlogisticated air (nitrogen) may be procured in the easiest
+      and surest manner by the use of iron only--To do this I fill
+      phials with turnings of malleable iron, and having filled them
+      with water, pour it out, to admit the air of the atmosphere, and
+      in six or seven hours it will be diminished ... what remains of
+      the air in the phials will be the purest phlogisticated air
+      (nitrogen).
+
+Among his contributions to the scientific periodicals of the times there
+was one relating to the sense of hearing. It is a curious story. One may
+properly ask whether the singular facts in it were not due to defects in
+Priestley's own organs of hearing. The paper did not arouse comment. It
+was so out of the ordinary experimental work which he was carrying
+forward with such genuine pleasure and intense vigour.
+
+Strong appeals were steadily coming from English friends that he return.
+While commenting on the pleasure he should have in seeing them he firmly
+declared that the step would not be wise. In short, despite all
+arguments he had determined to
+
+      remain where I am for life.
+
+The prejudices against him were abating, although he said
+
+      that many things are against me; and though they do not _shake_ my
+      faith, they _try_ it.
+
+There had gathered a class of fourteen young men about him in the
+Northumberland home. They had adopted his Unitarian ideas. To them he
+lectured regularly on theology and philosophy. Those must have been
+inspiring moments. It was in this wise that the aged philosopher felt he
+was doing good and was most useful. He said that it was
+
+      a pretty good class of young men to lecture to.
+
+Much time was given to his English correspondents. Them he advised of
+the rapid development of the States. He sent to some pictures of the
+country about him, and with much delight he referred to the fact that
+Jefferson, whom he ardently admired, was now, in the closing weeks of
+1800, the President, and his associate--Aaron Burr, Vice-President. He
+announced to English friends that the late administration, that of John
+Adams, was
+
+      almost universally reprobated.
+
+Mr. Jefferson, he insisted, "will do nothing rashly,"
+
+    His being president may induce me to visit the federal city, and
+      perhaps his seat in Virginia.
+
+The seat of government, as may be inferred, had been removed to
+Washington from Philadelphia. But to the latter center, which still
+offered many attractions, Priestley journeyed for the third time early
+in 1801. He was not especially desirous of making this third visit, but
+as his son and daughter came down a distance of 130 miles on business,
+he determined to accompany them. True, Congress was no longer there, but
+there were many interesting people about with whom he had great
+pleasure. With Bishop White, who was most orthodox and whom he saw
+frequently, he enjoyed much "Christian and edifying conversation." John
+Andrews was another favorite. He was a violent Federalist and informed
+Priestley that the latter
+
+      had done them (the Federalists) more mischief than any other man,
+
+yet these two noble spirits lived in amity, and Priestley several times
+announced that Dr. Andrews was a Unitarian, which is not the thought
+today in regard to the latter.
+
+It was an eventful year--this year of 1801. Much that was unexpected
+happened. It brought joy and it brought sorrow.
+
+Perhaps it would be just as well to note the scientific progress of the
+Doctor during this year, for he gave forth the statement that he had
+succeeded in producing air by freezing water. This production of air was
+one of his earlier ideas (p. 62), and now he wrote--
+
+    The harder the frost was the more air I procured.
+
+Further, he announced that on heating manganese (dioxide) in inflammable
+air
+
+      no water is formed,
+
+and what is rather astounding, he was certain that _azote_ consisted of
+hydrogen and oxygen.
+
+To the _Medical Repository_, which he regarded highly, there was sent a
+rather thoughtful disquisition on dreams. In it the idea was expressed
+
+      that dreams have their seat in some region of the brain more
+      deeply seated than that which is occupied by our waking thoughts.
+
+A "Pile of Volta" had been sent out from England. It amused him and he
+studied it carefully when he was led to remark upon the theory of this
+curious process as follows:
+
+    The operation wholly depends on the calcination of the zinc, which
+      suffers a great diminution in weight, while the silver is little
+      affected, and all metals lose their phlogiston in calcination,
+      therefore what remains of the zinc in metallic form in the pile
+      and everything connected with that end of it, is supersaturated
+      with phlogiston.
+
+More need not be quoted. It was phlogiston and that only which
+occasioned the electric current. It may properly be added that in this
+connection he wrote:
+
+    It is said the inventor of the galvanic pile discovered the
+      conducting power of charcoal, whereas it was one of my first
+      observations in electricity, made in 1766.
+
+Some additional attention to air was also given by him, and in so doing
+he reached the conclusion that
+
+    The diamond and charcoal of copper are, as nearly as possible,
+      pure phlogiston.
+
+One wonders how he could so persuade himself, for these bodies surely
+possessed weight. Why did he not rely more upon his balance?
+
+With Woodhouse he discussed the product from passing water over heated
+charcoal. He had been endeavoring to refute certain statements made by
+Cruikshank. There is no question but that he had carbon monoxide in
+hand, and had it as early as 1799, and that he had obtained it in
+several different ways. Observe this statement:
+
+    I always found that the first portion of the heavy inflammable
+      air, resulting from the passage of steam over heated charcoal was
+      loaded with fixed air (CO_2), but that in the course of the
+      process this disappeared, the remaining air (CO) burning with a
+      lambent flame.
+
+Scarcely had Priestley set foot in Philadelphia on his third visitation
+than the _Port Folio_, devoted usually to literature and biography,
+printed the following unkind words:
+
+    The tricks of Dr. Priestley to embroil the government, and disturb
+      the religion of his own country, have not the merit of novelty.
+
+To which the _Aurora_ replied:
+
+    When Porcupine rioted in the filth of a debauched and corrupt
+      faction in this city, no person experienced so much of his obscene
+      and vulgar abuse as Dr. Priestley. There is not a single fact on
+      record or capable of being shewn, to prove that Dr. Priestley was
+      guilty of any other crime than being a dissenter from the church
+      of England, and a warm friend of American Independence. For this
+      he was abused by Porcupine--and Denny is only Porcupine with a
+      little more tinsel to cover his dirt. It is worthy of remark, that
+      after a whole sheet of promises of "literary lore" and "products
+      of the master of spirits" of the nation--the first and second
+      numbers of the _Portable Foolery_, are stuffed with extracts from
+      British publications of an ordinary quality.
+
+The attack of the Port Folio was most ungracious. It may have been due
+to irritation caused by the appearance of a second edition of
+Priestley's "Letters to the Inhabitants of Northumberland." Nevertheless
+the thoughtful and dignified men of the City--men who admired
+Priestley's broad catholic spirit and brave attitude upon all debatable
+questions, men who appreciated his scientific attainments, invited him
+to the following subscription dinner, as announced in the _Aurora_,
+March, 6th:
+
+    At 4 o'clock in the afternoon about one hundred citizens sat down
+      to an elegant entertainment prepared by Mr. Francis to celebrate
+      the commencement of the administration of Mr. Jefferson. The
+      Governor honored the company with his presence. Several
+      respectable Foreigners were invited to partake of the festival....
+      A variety of patriotic songs were admirably sung; and the
+      following toasts were drank with unanimous applause.
+
+    1. The Governor of Pennsylvania
+
+    2. Dr. Priestley: The Philosopher and Philanthropist....
+
+He was present and enjoyed himself, and sad must it have been to read on
+March 30th:
+
+    Some weeks ago, Dr. Priestley having caught cold by attending a
+      meeting of the Philosophical Society on a wet evening, was taken
+      ill of a violent inflammatory complaint which rendered his
+      recovery for a long time dubious. We announce with sincere
+      pleasure the returning health of a man, whose life hath hitherto
+      been sedulously and successfully devoted to the interests of
+      mankind.
+
+He had, indeed, been very ill. The trouble was pleurisy. Dr. Rush was
+his physician. By his order the patient was bled profusely seven times.
+During this trying and doubtful period there came to him a cheery letter
+from President Jefferson who had only learned of his illness. Among
+other things the President wrote--
+
+    Yours is one of the few lives precious to mankind, and for the
+      continuance of which every thinking man is solicitous. Bigots may
+      be an exception.... But I have got into a long disquisition on
+      politics when I only meant to express my sympathy in the state of
+      your health, and to tender you all the affections of public and
+      private hospitality. I should be very happy to see you here
+      (Washington). I leave this about the 30th to return about the 25th
+      of April. If you do not leave Philadelphia before that, a little
+      excursion hither would help your health. I should be much
+      gratified with the possession of a guest I so much esteem, and
+      should claim a right to lodge you, should you make such an
+      excursion.
+
+But Priestley journeyed homeward on April 13th, and en route wrote the
+following letter, addressed to John Vaughan, Esq. 179 Walnut Street,
+Philadelphia, Pa.:
+
+                                                April 17, 1801
+                                          Reading, Friday Evening
+
+  Dear Sir,
+
+    I have the pleasure to inform you, agreeably to your kind request,
+      that we are safely arrived at this place, my daughter better than
+      when we left Philadelphia, and as to myself, I feel just as well,
+      and as able to bear any fatigue, as before my late illness. This,
+      however, will always remind me of your friendly attentions, and
+      those of your sister, if a thousand and other circumstances did
+      not do the same, and of them all I hope I shall ever retain a
+      grateful remembrance.
+
+    Along the whole road I am struck with the marks of an astonishing
+      degree of improvement since I came this way four years ago. I do
+      not think that any part of England is better cultivated, and at
+      present the wheat is in a very promising state. I wish we may
+      hear of that of England promising as well. Three years of such a
+      scarcity is more than any country could bear, and you will believe
+      me when I say that, if it was in my power, I would guard it not
+      only from famine, but from every other calamity.
+
+    With my daughter's kindest remembrance, I am, as ever
+
+        Dear Sir
+                            Yours sincerely,
+                                J. PRIESTLEY.[8]
+
+Resuming his correspondence with his numerous friends in England, he
+said:
+
+      My chief resource is my daily occupation.
+
+He also wrote Dr. Rush his thanks for having advised him to read Noah
+Webster's _Pestilential Disorders_ which follow the appearance of
+meteors and earthquakes, taking occasion also to excuse his opposition
+to blood-letting,--
+
+    I believe that I owe my life to your judicious direction of it. I
+      shall never forget your so readily forgiving my suspicion, and my
+      requesting the concurrence of Dr. Wistar after the third bleeding.
+      It was his opinion as well as yours and Dr. Caldwell's, that my
+      disorder required several more; and the completeness of my cure,
+      and the speediness of my recovery, prove that you were right. In
+      the future I shall never be afraid of the lancet when so
+      judiciously directed.
+
+To Rush he confided his doubts about his paper on Dreams. He cannot
+account for them, hence he has offered merely an hypothesis, and
+continues--
+
+    I frequently think with much pleasure and regret on the many happy
+      hours I spent in your company, and wish we were not at so great
+      distance. Such society would be the value of life to me. But I
+      must acquiesce in what a wise providence has appointed.
+
+His friends continued sending him books. And how joyously he received
+them. At times he would mention special works, as for example,--
+
+    Please to add Gate's Answer to Wall, and Wall's Reply; Sir John
+      Pringle's Discourses and Life by Dr. Kippis; Chandler's Life of
+      King David; Colin Milne's Botanical Dictionary, Botanic Dialogues,
+      and other books of Natural History; Kirwan's Analysis of Mineral
+      Waters; Crosby's History of English Baptists.
+
+In one of his letters he observed--
+
+    A person must be in my situation ... to judge of my feelings when
+      I receive new books.
+
+Strangely enough a _box_ of books was sent him to Carlisle (Pa.) and had
+been there for two years before he learned of it.
+
+Perhaps a word more may be allowed in regard to the paper on
+_Pestilential Disorders_ by Noah Webster. This was the lexicographer.
+Priestley thought the work curious and important, but the philosophy in
+it wild and absurd in the extreme. And of Rush he asks--
+
+    Pray is he (Webster) a believer in revelation or not? I find
+      several atheists catch at everything favourable to the doctrine of
+      _equivocal generation_; but it must be reprobated by all who are
+      not.
+
+Chemists will be glad to hear that
+
+    The annual expense of my laboratory will hardly exceed 50 pounds,
+      and I think I may have done more in proportion to my expenses than
+      any other man. What I have done here, and with little expense,
+      will in time be thought very considerable; but on account of the
+      almost universal reception of the new theory, what I do is not, at
+      present, attended to; but Mr. Watt and Mr. Kier, as good chemists
+      as any in Europe, approve of my tract on _Phlogiston_, and truth
+      will in time prevail over any error.
+
+And to another he said,
+
+    Having had great success in my experiments in this country ... I
+      shall never desert philosophy.
+
+The following year (1802) had several points of interest in connection
+with the good Doctor; for one, who has followed his career thus far,
+will wish to call him that.
+
+Communications from the home country and from France, while not so
+numerous, were yet full of interesting news. His friend Belsham brought
+out his Elements of Philosophy of the Mind, and although Priestley paid
+it a most gracious tribute he did not hesitate to suggest alterations
+and additions of various kinds. His dearest friend Lindsey fell
+seriously ill this year. This gave him inexpressible anxiety and grief.
+As soon as Lindsey was, in a measure, restored the fraternal
+correspondence was resumed.
+
+Much time was given by the Doctor to reading and preparing for the press
+the volumes of his _Church History_ and _Notes on the Scriptures_. The
+printing was to be done in Northumberland. Some doubt was entertained as
+to whether he would have funds sufficient to pay for the publication,
+and when the urgent letters from friends tempted him to undertake a
+European trip he generally replied that he was too far advanced in life,
+that the general debility produced by pernicious ague rendered him unfit
+for extended travel, and then he offset the disappointment by saying
+that the expense of the voyage would more than suffice for the printing
+of one of his proposed four volumes of the _Church History_. This was a
+most complete, interesting and instructive work. Even today one profits
+by its perusal and an immense fund of worthwhile information and
+knowledge may be derived from even a cursory study of his _Notes on the
+Scriptures_.
+
+The monotony of village life was broken by occasional letters from
+President Jefferson. These were most affectionate and also illuminating
+on national matters. Copies of these were sent to English friends with
+the injunction not to show them or permit them to fall into other hands.
+
+Dr. Thomas Cooper was not with Priestley in this year (1802), being
+detained at Lancaster where the Assembly sat. Naturally Cooper made
+himself conspicuous, and Priestley prophesied a great future for him,
+providing that the jealousy entertained for foreigners did not prove too
+serious an obstacle.
+
+Priestley took much pleasure at this period in his garden, and wrote,
+
+    Plants, as well as other objects, engage more of my attention than
+      they ever did before.... I wish I knew a little more botany; but
+      old, as I am, I learn something new continually.
+
+Now and then he mentions a considerable degree of deafness, and sent to
+Philadelphia for a speaking trumpet, but cheerily adds,
+
+    I am, however, thankful that my eyes do not fail me.
+
+Here and there occur plaints like these:
+
+    Though my philosophical labours are nearly over, I am glad to hear
+      what is passing in that region in which I once moved, though what
+      I then did seems for the present to be overlooked and forgotten. I
+      am confident, however, as much as I can be of anything, that
+      notwithstanding the almost universal reception of the new theory,
+      which is the cause of it, it is purely chimerical, and cannot keep
+      its ground after a sufficient scrutiny, which may be deferred, but
+      which must take place in time. I am glad to find that Mr.
+      Cruikshank in England, as well as chemists in France, begin to
+      attend to my objections, though the principal of them have been
+      published many years; but, as you say, many will not read, and
+      therefore they cannot know anything that makes against the
+      opinions they have once adopted. Bigotry is not confined to
+      theology.
+
+The experimental work for the year was not very great. Probably this was
+the result of his general physical weakness and in part it was due to
+his preoccupation with literary labours. However, he did write out his
+results, obtained on heating "finery cinders and charcoal" and thus
+emphasized the gaseous product of which he observes--
+
+    It cannot be denied, however, that this gaseous oxyd of carbon
+      (CO) is _inflammable_ ... and is essentially different from all
+      other oxyds, none of which are combustible.
+
+Along in the month of November he wrote a vigorous protest against
+Cruikshank's explanation of the mode of formation of carbon monoxide. In
+this polemic he of course threw into prominence his precious phlogiston,
+the presence of which seemed unnecessary--but this was not so thought by
+the Doctor, who also favored the _Medical Repository_ with observations
+on the conversion of iron into steel, in which there is but a single
+reference to phlogiston, but unfortunately this single reference spoils
+the general argument and the correct and evident interpretation of the
+reaction. It reads as follows:
+
+    Iron is convertible into steel by imbibing only _phlogiston_ from
+      the charcoal with which it is cemented.
+
+There are abundant correct observations. Their interpretation sadly
+enough is very false, all because of the persistent introduction of
+phlogiston where it was not essential.
+
+Priestley advised Rush that because of an unhealthy season he had
+suffered very much from ague, and said,--
+
+    Tho' I was never robust, I hardly knew what sickness was before my
+      seizure in Philadelphia, but the old building has since that had
+      so many shocks, that I am apprehensive it will ere long give way.
+      But I have abundant reason to be satisfied, and shall retire from
+      life _conviva satur_.
+
+Devotion to work was on the part of Priestley, something marvelous. As
+his son and daughter-in-law were drawn to Philadelphia in February,
+1803, they carried their father with them. He was rather indisposed to
+this, yet he disliked remaining alone at home notwithstanding the
+printing of the Church History required considerable personal attention.
+The marvelous part of it all was that while in Philadelphia, on this his
+fourth and last visit, while he fraternized with congenial souls and
+even presented himself at various social functions, he yet found leisure
+to print his little volume entitled "Socrates and Jesus Compared,"
+which gave much pleasure to President Jefferson, so much indeed that he
+hoped Priestley would,--
+
+      take up the subject on a more extended scale, and show that Jesus
+      was truly the most innocent, most benevolent, the most eloquent
+      and sublime character that has ever been exhibited to man.
+
+Jefferson's genuine approval of his effort was balm to Priestley's soul.
+He, of course, wrote Lindsey and Belsham about it; yes, copied the
+letter of Jefferson and sent the same to them with the comment,--
+
+    He is generally considered as an unbeliever. If so, however, he
+      cannot be far from us, and I hope in the way to be not only
+      _almost_, but _altogether_ what we are.
+
+It was February 28, 1803, that the august members of the American
+Philosophical Society resolved:
+
+    That this Society will dine together on Saturday next, and that J.
+      B. Smith, Wistar, Williams, Hewson & Vaughan be a Committee to
+      make the necessary arrangements for that purpose and to request
+      Dr. Priestley's company, informing him that the Society are
+      induced to make the request from their high respect for his
+      Philosophical Labours & discoveries, & to enjoy the more
+      particular pleasure of a social meeting--The Dinner to be prepared
+      at the City Tavern or Farmer's Hotel.
+
+It was this resolution which caused notices, such as the following to go
+out to the distinguished membership of the venerable Society--
+
+                                Philadelphia, March 2, 1803
+
+    Sir: You are hereby invited to join the other members of the
+      American Philosophical Society, in giving a testimony of respect,
+      to their venerable associate Dr. Joseph Priestley, who dines with
+      them on Saturday next at Francis' Hotel--Dinner on table at 3
+      o'clock.
+
+                                        C. Wistar
+                                        J. Williams
+                                        J. R. Smith
+                                        T. T. Hewson
+                                        J. Vaughan
+                                        Committee
+
+    An answer will be called for tomorrow morning.
+    DR. RUSH
+
+It was a very dignified and brilliant company. Law, medicine, theology,
+science, commerce represented by very worthy and excellent gentlemen.
+And, among them sat the modest, unassuming, versatile Priestley. That he
+was happy in his surroundings there is ample reason to believe. He loved
+to be among men. He, too, was appreciated and eagerly sought because of
+his winning ways, his tolerance and liberality. He was moderately
+convivial though
+
+    He said that one glass of wine at dinner was enough for an old
+      man, but he did not prescribe his own practice as an universal
+      rule.
+
+About eight weeks were spent in the City. On return to the dear country
+home the doctor took up his various duties and burdens, but the
+infirmities of age were often alluded to by him, and they no doubt
+delayed all of his work, which was further aggravated by a dangerous
+fall on his left hip and strain of the muscles of the thigh. He was
+extremely lame and for some time went about on crutches, which held him
+out of his laboratory. To him this was very trying. But he persisted. He
+was truly a splendid example for the younger aspirants for scientific
+honors. During the year he entered on a controversial article with his
+old friend Erasmus Darwin upon the subject of _spontaneous combustion_,
+and subsequently communicated to the _Medical Repository_ an account of
+the conversion of salt into nitre. He had positive knowledge of this
+fact for quite a little while, and upon the occasion of a visit by Dr.
+Wistar, told the latter concerning this with the request that no mention
+be made of it, evidently that he might have opportunity for additional
+confirmation. However, very unexpectedly, Dr. Mitchill published
+something of a similar character, therefore Priestley believing that he
+ought "to acquaint experimentalists in general with all that I know of
+the matter," announced that in 1799 when experimenting on the formation
+of air from water,
+
+      having made use of the same salt, mixed with snow, in every
+      experiment, always evaporating the mixture the salt was recovered
+      dry. I collected the salt when I had done with it, and put it into
+      a glass bottle, with a label expressing what it was, and what use
+      had been made of it.
+
+Subsequently he treated this salt, after many applications of it, with
+sulphuric acid, when he remarked--
+
+    I was soon surprized to observe that _red vapours_ rose from it.
+
+An examination of another portion of the salt showed--
+
+      that when it was thrown upon hot coals ... it burned exactly like
+      nitre.
+
+So it was a conversion of sodium chloride into sodium nitrate. That this
+change must have come from the _snow_ with which it had been dissolved,
+could not be doubted, and he further observed--
+
+    Now in the upper regions of the atmosphere ... there may be a
+      redundancy of inflammable air ... and a proportion of
+      dephlogisticated air. In that region there are many electrical
+      appearances, as the _aurora borealis_, falling stars &c; in the
+      lower parts of it thunder and lightening, and by these means the
+      two kinds of air may be decomposed, and a highly dephlogisticated
+      nitrous acid, as mine always was, produced. This being formed,
+      will of course, attach itself to any _snow_ or _hail_ that may be
+      forming ... confirming in this unexpected manner, the vulgar
+      opinion of nitre being contained in snow.
+
+This seems to be the last communication of this character which came
+from the Doctor's pen.
+
+He was in despair relative to the academy which had ever been his hope
+for the College which in his early years in Northumberland he prayed
+might arise and in which he would be at liberty to particularly impart
+his Unitarian doctrines.
+
+An interesting item relative to the Academy appeared in the _Aurora_ for
+April 1st, 1803. It shows that State aid for education was sought in
+those early days. It is a report, and reads--
+
+    A REPORT of the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of
+      Thomas Cooper, on behalf of the Northumberland Academy, praying
+      legislative aid. The report states that Thomas Cooper appeared
+      before the Committee and stated that upward of $4000 had been
+      expended on the building appropriated to that institution. That
+      the debts due thereon amounted in the whole to near $2000. That
+      Dr. Joseph Priestley had the power of disposing of a very valuable
+      library consisting of near 4000 volumes of scarce and well chosen
+      books in various branches of literature and science, to any public
+      seminary of learning in the United States, which library, the said
+      Dr. Priestley was desirous of procuring as a gift to the
+      Northumberland Academy, provided that institution was likely to
+      receive substantial assistance from the legislature, so as to be
+      enabled to fulfil the purposes of its establishment,
+
+    That the Trustees would have no occasion to ask of the legislature
+      on behalf of that Academy, a subscription greater than a few
+      individuals had expended, and were still ready and desirous of
+      contributing thereto; and suggest it to your Committee, that if
+      out of the monies due from the County of Northumberland to the
+      State a sufficient sum was granted to exonerate the Academy from
+      debt, no more would be wanted in the future to effect the purposes
+      of that institution, than a sum equal in amount to the value of
+      the library proposed to be furnished by Dr. Priestley; such value
+      to be fixed by a person appointed for the purpose by the
+      legislature.
+
+    The Committee was of the opinion that it would be expedient for
+      the legislature to coincide with the suggestion of Thomas Cooper
+      and so recommended to the Legislature. Their report was adopted,
+      39 to 31. It was strongly advocated by Jesse Moore, Esq., General
+      Mitchell and N. Ferguson from the city. It was opposed by Jacob
+      Alter from Cumberland, who declared that although there were a
+      great many public schools and colleges and places of that kind
+      scattered over the State, he never knew any good they did, except
+      to breed up a set of idle and odious lawyers to plague the people!
+
+At this particular time there still existed confiscated land from the
+sale of which revenue was derived, and this income it had been agreed
+upon should be devoted to the erection and support of academies
+throughout the State. Later this scheme was discontinued. But, Dr.
+Priestley was not so enthusiastic as formerly. He was occupied with the
+Church History, three volumes of which were in print, and it was
+expected that the fourth volume would follow shortly thereafter.
+However, his health was precarious. He could not eat meats, and lived
+chiefly on broths and soups, saying,--
+
+    The defect is in the stomach and liver, and of no common kind. If
+      I hold out till I have finished what I have now on hand, I shall
+      retire from the scene, satisfied and thankful.
+
+This was written in August, and the Doctor stuck bravely to his literary
+labors. A few months later he wrote Lindsey,--
+
+    I really do not expect to survive you.
+
+Yet, he also entertained the thought that he might,--
+
+      assist in the publication of a whole Bible, from the several
+      translations of particular books, smoothing and correcting them
+      where I can.
+
+January of 1804 brought him many interesting, splendid and valuable
+books from friends in London. He was overjoyed on their arrival.
+Promptly he gave himself to their perusal because his deafness confined
+him to home and his extreme weakness forbade any excursions. Then the
+winter kept him from his laboratory, and his sole occupation was reading
+and writing. He entertained a variety of plans, proceeding with some
+but in the midst of these tasks of love--in the very act of correcting
+proof, he quietly breathed his last! It was Monday, February 6, 1804,
+that Thomas Cooper, the devoted friend of Priestley, wrote Benjamin
+Rush:--
+
+  Dear Sir:
+
+    Mr. Joseph Priestley is not at present in spirits to write to his
+      friends, and it falls to my lot therefore to acquaint you that Dr.
+      Priestley died this morning about 11 o'clock without the slightest
+      degree of apparent pain. He had for some time previous foreseen
+      his dissolution, but he kept up to the last his habitual
+      composure, cheerfulness and kindness. He would have been 71 the
+      24th of next month. For about a fortnight there were symptoms of
+      dropsy owing to general debility: about two days before his death,
+      these symptoms disappeared, and a troublesome cough came on
+      perhaps from a translation to the chest.
+
+    Yesterday he had strength enough to look over a revise of the
+      _Annotations_ he was publishing on the Old and New Testament, and
+      this morning he dictated in good language some notices which he
+      wished his son Mr. Priestley to add to his unpublished works. I
+      am sure you will sincerely regret the decease of a man so highly
+      eminent and useful in the literary and philosophical world, and so
+      much presumably your friend.
+
+Yes, the valiant old champion of a lost cause was no more. Two days
+before his death "he went to his laboratory"--but, finding his weakness
+too great, with difficulty returned to his room. Loyal to his science to
+the very end!
+
+To American chemists he appeals strongly because of his persistent
+efforts in research. His coming to this country aroused a real interest
+in the science which has not waned in the slightest since his demise.
+
+When the sad news reached the Hall of the American Philosophical
+Society, Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton was chosen to eulogize Priestley.
+This notable event took place on January 3rd, 1805. The _Aurora_
+reported:
+
+    Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton, one of the vice-presidents of the
+      American Philosophical Society, having been previously appointed
+      by the society to deliver an eulogium to the memory of their late
+      associate, Dr. Joseph Priestley, the same was accordingly
+      delivered in the First Presbyterian Church in this city, on
+      Thursday the 3rd inst. before the society, who went in a body from
+      their hall to the church, preceded by their patron, the governor
+      of the state. Invitations were given on this occasion to the Revd.
+      Clergy of the city; the college of Physicians; the Medical
+      Society; the gentlemen of the Bar, with the students at Law; the
+      trustees and faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, with their
+      students in the Arts and in Medicine; the judges and officers of
+      the federal and state Courts; the foreign ministers and other
+      public characters then in the city; the mayor; aldermen and city
+      councils: the trustees and session of the First Presbyterian
+      Church; the directors of the City Library; the directors and
+      Physicians of the Pennsylvania Hospital, of the Alms House, and of
+      the Dispensary; the proprietor and Director of the Philadelphia
+      Museum; and the contributors towards the Cabinet and Library of
+      the Society. After the conclusion of a very interesting eulogium,
+      the society returned their thanks to the orator, and requested a
+      copy for the purpose of publication.
+
+One's curiosity is quickened on thinking what Barton said in his
+address. Search in many directions failed to bring forth the Eulogium.
+It had been ordered to be printed in the Transactions of the Society.
+This was never done. But there was a minute (seven years later) in the
+meeting of the Society (Nov. 6, 1812) to the effect that
+
+    Dr. Barton's request for permission to withdraw it (Eulogium) to
+      be enlarged and published separately was referred for
+      consideration to the next meeting.
+
+The request was granted at the next meeting, but nowhere among Barton's
+literary remains was the precious document to be found. Lost very
+probably--when it might have revealed so much.
+
+Priestley's death was deeply mourned throughout the land. The public
+prints brought full and elaborate accounts of his life, and touching
+allusions to the fullness of his brilliant career. Such expressions as
+these were heard,--
+
+    As a metaphysician he stands foremost among those who have
+      attempted the investigation of its abstruse controversies.
+
+
+    As a politician he assiduously and successfully laboured to
+      extend and illustrate those general principles of civil liberty
+      which are happily the foundation of the Constitution of his
+      adopted Country,--
+
+
+    His profound attention to the belles-lettres, and to the other
+      departments of general literature, has been successfully
+      exemplified among his other writings, by his lectures on oratory
+      and criticism, and on general history and policy,--
+
+
+    Of the most important and fashionable study of _Pneumatic
+      Chemistry_ he may fairly be said to be the father.
+
+
+    He was a man of restless activity, but he uniformly directed that
+      activity to what seemed to him the public good, seeking neither
+      emolument nor honour from men. Dr. Priestley was possessed of
+      great ardour and vivacity of intellect.... His integrity was
+      unimpeachable; and even malice itself could not fix a stain on his
+      private character.
+
+And what a splendid tribute is contained in the following passages from
+Cuvier:
+
+    Priestley, loaded with glory, was modest enough to be astonished
+      at his good fortune, and at the multitude of beautiful facts,
+      which nature seemed to have revealed to him alone. He forgot that
+      her favours were not gratuitous, and if she had so well explained
+      herself, it was because he had known how to oblige her to do so by
+      his indefatigable perseverance in questioning her, and by the
+      thousand ingenious means he had taken to snatch her answers from
+      her.
+
+    Others carefully hide that which they owe to chance; Priestley
+      seemed to wish to ascribe all his merit to fortuitous
+      circumstances, remarking, with unexampled candour, how many times
+      he had profited by them, without knowing it, how many times he was
+      in possession of new substances without having perceived them; and
+      he never dissimulated the erroneous views which sometimes directed
+      his efforts, and from which he was only undeceived by experience.
+      These confessions did honour to his modesty, without disarming
+      jealousy. Those to whom their own ways and methods had never
+      discovered anything called him a simple worker of experiments,
+      without method and without an object "it is not astonishing,"
+      they added, "that among so many trials and combinations, he should
+      find some that were fortunate." But real natural philosophers were
+      not duped by these selfish criticisms.
+
+Many encomiums like the preceding--yes, a thousandfold--could easily be
+gathered if necessary to show the regard and confidence held for this
+remarkable man to whom America is truly very deeply indebted.
+
+Some years ago the writer paid a visit to the God's Acre of
+Northumberland. He arrived after dark and was conveyed to the sacred
+place in an automobile. Soon the car stopped. Its headlights illuminated
+the upright flat stone which marked the last resting place of the great
+chemist, and in that light not only was the name of the sleeper clearly
+read but the less distinct but legible epitaph:
+
+    Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt
+      bountifully with thee. I will lay me down in peace and sleep till
+      I wake in the morning of the resurrection.
+
+Pondering on these lines there slowly returned to mind the words of
+Franklin's epitaph,--Franklin, who, years before, had encouraged and
+aided the noble exile, who was ever mindful of the former's goodness to
+him:
+
+                The Body
+                   of
+            Benjamin Franklin
+                Printer
+    (Like the cover of an old book
+        Its contents torn out
+    And stript of its lettering and gilding)
+        Lies here food for Worms
+    But the work shall not be lost
+    For it will (as he believed) appear
+                once more
+    In a new and more elegant Edition
+          Revised and corrected
+                    by
+                The Author
+
+And then, by some strange mental reaction, there floated before the
+writer the paragraph uttered by Professor Huxley, when in 1874 a statue
+to Priestley was unveiled in the City of Birmingham:
+
+    Our purpose is to do honour ... to Priestley the peerless defender
+      of national freedom in thought and in action; to Priestley the
+      philosophical thinker; to that Priestley who held a foremost place
+      among the 'swift runners who hand over the lamp of life,' and
+      transmit from one generation to another the fire kindled, in the
+      childhood of the world, at the Promethean altar of science.
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: Chemistry in Old Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Co.,
+Phila., Pa.]
+
+[Footnote 2: Correspondence of Priestley by H. C. Bolton, New York,
+1892.]
+
+[Footnote 3: Mr. Berthollet discovered that oxygenated muriatic gas,
+received in a ley of caustic potash, forms a chrystallizable neutral
+salt, which detonates more strongly than nitre.]
+
+[Footnote 4: Nine Famous Birmingham Men--Cornish Brothers, Publishers,
+1909.]
+
+[Footnote 5: James Woodhouse--A Pioneer in Chemistry--J. C. Winston Co.,
+Phila.--1918.]
+
+[Footnote 6: James Woodhouse--A pioneer in Chemistry--J. C. Winston Co.,
+Phila.--1918.]
+
+[Footnote 7: See _Chemistry in America_, Appleton & Co. and _Chemistry
+in Old Philadelphia_, The J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, Pa.]
+
+[Footnote 8: The original of this letter is now the property of Dr. C.
+A. Browne, New York. He graciously permitted it to be inserted here.]
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's notes:
+====================
+
+FORMATTING, fixed in text:
+==========
+
+A few inconsistencies in the layout and formatting of the book have been
+corrected (an extra blank line in a quoted paragraph, for example). Most
+notably, the "Hints Concerning Public Education" is an essay by
+Priestley quoted verbatim in the text. The original layout did not make a
+clear distinction between Smith's text and this quoted essay; I have
+remedied this with an indent for that section.
+
+
+TYPOS, fixed in text:
+=====
+
+It was an interesting fact (text reads inter-resting, broken across a
+line)
+
+that germ which might once have been supposed (text reads beeen)
+
+September 14, 1794 (text reads September, 14 1794)
+
+the Doctor remained quietly at home (text reads quitely)
+
+on behalf of the Northumberland Academy, praying legislative aid (text
+reads lesiglative)
+
+science which has not waned in the slightest (text reads slighest)
+
+he uniformly directed that activity (text reads uniformily)
+
+from the rod of lawless power (text reads of of)
+
+Almost all the fresh meat they have (text reads flesh meat)
+
+diversions, beginning with the publication (text reads begining)
+
+rather thoughtful disquisition on dreams (text reads disquisiton)
+
+Footnote 6: J. C. Winston Co. (text reads Wintson)
+
+
+APPARENT ERRATA, but could be as appearing in the original letters:
+=============== (left as-is in text).
+
+conduct will evince that I have been to that of great {Great} Britain.
+
+contributes so much as ours do to the cummunication {communication} of
+useful knowledge
+
+sense of security which scientificial {scientific?}
+pursuits require
+
+the same that has been called _philogiston_ {phlogiston}
+
+he would never enter the puplit {pulpit} again.
+
+until it became necesary {necessary} to separate.
+
+we all rejoiced at the aggreeable {agreeable} information
+
+By civil fueds {feuds} exiled my native home
+
+unless you were possessed of _Aladin's {Aladdin's} lamp_
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Priestley in America, by Edgar F. Smith
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRIESTLEY IN AMERICA ***
+
+***** This file should be named 20751.txt or 20751.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/7/5/20751/
+
+Produced by Hilary Caws-Elwitt, in honor of Peter James
+Caws and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/20751.zip b/20751.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c00cc90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/20751.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b48e512
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #20751 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20751)