CHAPTER I.

Birth and family of Sir H. Davy.--Davy placed at a preparatory school.--His peculiarities when a boy.--Anecdotes.--He is admitted into the grammar-school at Penzance.--Finishes his education under Dr. Cardew at Truro.--Death of his father.--He is apprenticed by his mother to Mr. John Bingham Borlase, a surgeon and apothecary.--He enters upon the study of Chemistry, and devotes more time to Philosophy than to Physic.--The influence of early impressions illustrated.--His poetical talent.--Specimens of his versification.--An Epic Poem composed by him at the age of twelve years.--His first original experiment in chemistry.--He conceives a new theory of heat and light.--His ingenious experiment to demonstrate its truth.--He becomes known to Mr. Davies Gilbert, the founder of his future fortunes.--Mr. Gregory Watt arrives at Penzance, and lodges in the house of Mrs. Davy.--The visit of Dr. Beddoes and Professor Hailstone to Cornwall.--The correspondence between Dr. Beddoes and Mr. Davies Gilbert, relative to the Pneumatic Institution at Bristol, and the proposed appointment of Davy.--His final departure from his native town Page 1