THE YOUTHS CABINET.

dation of Mr. Gilbert, the late President
of the Royal Society. The manner in
which he made the acquaintance of this
gentleman is as curious as it was import-
ant to his future interests.

Mr. Gilbert’s attention was attracted to
the future philosopher, as he was care-

lessly swinging over the gate of Mr. Bor-

lase’s house, by the humorous contortions
into which he threw his features. Davy,
when a boy, possessed a countenance
which, even in its natural state, was far

from comely, while his round shoulders,

inharmonious voice, and insignificant man-
ner, were calculated to produce anything
rather than a favorable impression; in
after years, he was what might be called
good-looking. A person walking with
Mr. Gilbert on this occasion, observed that
the extraordinary looking boy in question
was young Davy, the carver’s son, who,
he added, was said to be fond of making
chemical experiments. “ Chemical ex-
periments!” exclaimed Mr, Gilbert, with
much surprise; “if that be the case, I
must have some conversation with him,”
This interview gave ample evidence of the
boy’s singular genius, and ended in an
offer of the use of Mr. Gilbert’s library to
young Humphrey, and any other assist-
ance he might require, in pursuing his
studies.

The delight which Davy expressed on
first visiting a laboratory, is said to have
been beyond all description ; and on being
shown an air-pump, he worked its piston,
exhausted the receiver, and opened its
valves, with the simplicity and joy of a
child engaged in the examination of a
new and favorite toy.

And here we must leave Sir Humphrey
Davy, on his very entrance into the scene
of his future labors. How famous he be-

   

341

came as a chemist and philosopher, is
generally known, as well as his elevation
to knighthood and to the presidency of

the Royal Society. His early poetry

shows that he could have become equally
distinguished in this art, if he had devoted
his faculties to its culture, It is no doubt
true that in any pursuit he would have

excelled ; for enthusiasm, energy and per-

severance are always sure of success.—

Boys’ and Girls’ Miscellany.
—_————_

Necessity of Sleep.

orang is so hurtful both to the

mind and body as want of sleep.
Deprived of the necessary portion,

the person gets wan, emaciated

and listless, and very soon falls into bad
health; the spirit becomes entirely broken,
and the fire of even the most ardent dis-
positions is quenched. Nor is this law
peculiar to the human race, for it operates
with similar power upon the lower ani-
mals, and deprives them of much of their
natural ferocity. An illustration of this
fact is offered in the taming of wild ele-
phants. These animals, when first caught,
are studiously prevented from sleeping ;
in consequence of which, they become, in
a few days, comparatively mild and harm-
less, Restlessness, when long protracted,
may terminate in delirium, or confirmed
insanity ; and, in many diseases, 1 is the
most obstinate symptom we have tostrug-
gle against. By it alone, alll the existing
bad symptoms are aggravated ; and as
soon as we can succeed in overcoming it,
everything disagreeable and dangerous
frequently wears away, and the person is-
restored to health.—Philosophy of Sleep..