in Italy shortly after the death of Lady Shelburne, Shelburne had become anxious for his acquaintance, owing to the high renown which his scientific researches had acquired abroad, while as yet they were but little known in his native land.[1] One of the first results, accordingly, of the connection of Shelburne with Price was an invitation to Priestley to accept the office of Librarian at Bowood. The following letters addressed to Dr. Price trace the progress of the negotiation:—
"Leeds, July 21st, 1772.
"I think myself exceedingly honoured by the very favourable opinion which Lord Shelburne's proposal implies that he has entertained of me, as both from your account and that of others I conceive him to be, for ability and integrity together, the very first character in this kingdom. But I really think it would not be in my power to render his lordship any services equivalent to the recompense which, in prudence, I ought to expect, if ever I leave Leeds; and I could not satisfy myself with receiving a salary without rendering what should appear to myself an equivalent service.
"My salary exceeds that of most Dissenting ministers, and I may say that the whole of my time is at my own disposal, so that I can pursue what studies I please, without interruption. Indeed, my place is such that, according to present appearances, the only motive I can ever have to remove is, that agreeable as my situation is with respect to myself, it affords me no prospect for making any provision for a growing family. I have thought that if ever I do remove, it must be to America, where it will be more easy to dispose of my children to their advantage.[2]
- ↑ Rutt's Life of Priestley, i. 197, Note.—In 1767 Priestley had published The History and Present State of Electricity, and shortly after his History and Present State of Discoveries relating to Vision, Light, and Colour. At the time of his agreement with Lord Shelburne he was already engaged in his inquiries into the nature of air. His first publication on the subject was a pamphlet on "Impregnating Water with fixed Air," 1772. The same year he communicated to the Royal Society his observations on different kinds of air. The Royal Society had elected him a member in 1766, and awarded the Copley medal to him in 1773.
- ↑ This plan was eventually carried out by Dr. Priestley after the Birmingham riots. See Vol. II. Ch. XI.
