"Resolved—That a Course of Lectures on the Chemical Principles of the Art of Tanning be given by Mr. Davy. To commence the second of November next; and that respectable persons of the trade, who shall be recommended by Proprietors of the Institution, be admitted to these lectures gratis.
"Resolved further—That Mr. Davy have permission to absent himself during the months of July, August, and September, for the purpose of making himself more particularly acquainted with the practical part of the business of tanning, in order to prepare himself for giving the above-mentioned course of lectures."
Davy, it would appear, availed himself of the permission granted to him by the above resolution of the Managers, and during the interval visited his native country.
He had arranged with his friend Underwood to make a tour through Cornwall; but as it was his wish to remain at Bristol for a few days, on his way to the West, it was agreed between them that they should meet at Penzance.
Davy, however, became impatient, and wrote the following letter to his friend, a composition of much wildness, and obnoxious to the suspicion of Spinosism.
MY DEAR UNDERWOOD,
That part of Almighty God which resides in the rocks and woods, in the blue and tranquil sea, in the clouds and sunbeams of the sky, is calling upon thee with a loud voice: religiously obey its commands, and come and worship with me on the ancient altars of Cornwall.
I shall leave Bristol on Thursday next, possibly before, so that by this day week I shall probably be at Penzance. Ten days or a fortnight after, I shall expect to see you, and to rejoice with you.
We will admire together the wonders of God,—rocks and the sea, dead hills and living hills covered with verdure. Amen.
Write to me immediately, and say when you will come. Direct H. Davy, Penzance. Farewell, Being of energy!