The third Marquess of Lansdowne was no stranger to the rich and famous that came to the great London house. His father had hosted Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790) when the latter came to negotiate the terms for American independence. One who was credited with the discovery of oxygen, Joseph Priestley (1733 – 1804) ran tame at Lansdowne House as well, living off the largess of the first marquess when he was still Lord Shelburne.
But the parade of important persons during the Regency period, when our Lord Lansdowne was master there, is impressive indeed. There was a reason for this. Unlike other patrons of artists and persons of science, the third marquess welcomed these to his home as equals:
“No trace of such distinctions ever checked the talk at Bowood or Lansdowne House. If help was needed, it was freely given.” — The Gentlemen’s Magazine and Historical Review, MDCCC LXIII, by Sylvanus Urban
The greatest scientist of the Regency was no stranger to Lansdowne House. Sir Humphry Davy (1778 – 1829) was a pioneer in chemistry, having discovered important earth elements and inventing the Davy lamp used by miners to detect dangerous gases.
But enough of the science. I declare, the stuff makes me bilious.
Truth to tell, Sir Davy put on exhibitions of his experiments that were not only explosive but made all the females swoon. He was a very good public speaker, endowed with considerable charisma and the elusive ability to impart science in an understandable manner. Note the cartoon and its display of Davy’s large female following.
I cannot deny he is rather attractive. Is it the neckcloth or is it just me?
Spectators were particularly drawn to his experiments depicting the effects of nitrous oxide. He once said that laughing gas bestows all the benefits of alcohol and none of its flaws.
I’ll have what she’s having.