Page:Groves - Memoir of Anthony Norris Groves, 3rd edition.djvu/14

2 son’s help, succeeded well; but, through the treachery of a servant, who revealed the chemical secret to those able from circumstances to produce the article more cheaply, its profits were eventually lost. These trials early associated his son with loss and discipline, as also three surviving daughters, who, being unmarried at the time, were made to feel with their brother the vanity of human expectations, and are still spared to witness to the blessing of those higher possessions, which have many years enabled them to account the glory of the world as dung and dross, that they may win Christ. Two elder sisters married and died some years before the death of their brother.

Mr. Groves’s mother seems to have been a most remarkable woman, and her character left a deep impression on the hearts of all her children. Her patience under reverses of fortune; her uncomplaining gentleness, combined with unusual energy, and talents which enabled her to make the best of everything; her ability to bear without a word of complaint, or reflection on others, the trials which various undertakings had brought upon her, were the prominent features in her character. She died, after an illness of six months, July 24th, 1823. Being an only son, Mr. Groves was greatly beloved by his parents and sisters ; and his character, which was full of affection, made him all a brother and a son could be; so he was happy in his family relations. His father spared no expense in his education. He was first placed at a school in Lymington, and afterwards at another in Fulham, where his aunt, Mrs. Thompson, resided. It is at this time his own narrative begins.

On leaving Fulham, he studied chemistry in London, with Messrs. Savory and Moore; and, in after life, this science proved very useful to him. He then availed himself of the offer of Mr. Thompson, his uncle, an eminent dentist, practising in George Street, Hanover Square, to learn that profession; and, at the same time, walked the hospitals with a son of Mr. Thompson, and acquired considerable surgical skill. This was afterwards of much service to him, both in England and in foreign lands. He was ever ready, at any hour of the night or day, to afford his aid in cases of distress, and was very