tired within its socket, deprived of lustre; melancholy conceptions
filled his imagination more habitually, and were excited by slighter
causes; at times, they altogether deprived him of the power of
exertion; and while he lamented their effect, the contemplation of
themselves rendered him the more their prey. At this time, a gloomy
day, or the smallest disappointment, gave him inconceivable distress;
but he was not altogether incapable of temporary relief, and the few
moments of pleasure he seemed to enjoy, would have given reason to
believe, that he might once more have recovered, and have long
continued to be the delight and instructor of his friends. A more
close observation would at the same time have justified the
supposition, that the strong and painful emotions of mind he had
suffered, had already induced disorders of the bodily system, which
were irrecoverable. Before Doctor Garnett had left his situation at
Glasgow, he had determined to practice as a physician in London; but
from this he was restrained, during the time he was at the Royal
Institution. To his former intention he now determined to apply
himself, and in addition to the attempt, by giving private lectures,
to assure himself of that independency, of which his unfortunate
destiny, though with every reasonable expectation before him, had
hitherto deprived him.

With this intention, he purchased the lease of a house in Great
Marlborough Street; and in the summer of 1801, built a lecture room.
He brought his family to town, and once more looked forward with
hope. The flattering success he soon met with, and a short residence
at Harrowgate in the autumn, contributed to afford a temporary
renovation of health and spirits; it was, however, but a short and
delusive gleam of prosperity which now dawned upon him; for,
confiding too much in his newly increased strength, he exerted
himself to a much greater degree than prudence would have suggested.
In the course of the following winter, he delivered not less than
eight courses of lectures, two on chemistry, two on experimental
philosophy, a private course on the same subject, one on mineralogy,
and the course to which this sketch is prefixed, which he also
delivered in an apartment at Tom's Coffee house, for the convenience
of medical students, and others, in the city. Besides these, he
commenced two courses on botany, one at Brompton, and the other at
his own house; but a return of ill health prevented his