Page:Life of Sir William Petty 1623 – 1687.djvu/43

 the misfortunes of the kingdom and the security and ease of a retirement amongst gownsmen had drawn thither. Their first purpose was no more than only the satisfaction of breathing a freer air, and of conversing in quiet with one another; without being engaged in the passions and madness of that dismal age... For such a candid and unimpassionate company as that was, and for such a glorious season, what could have been a fitter subject to pitch upon than natural philosophy? To have been always tossing about some theological question would have been to have made that their private diversion, the excess of which they themselves disliked in the public. To have been eternally musing on civil business and the distresses of the country was too melancholy a reflection: it was nature alone which could pleasantly entertain them in that estate.'

In the spring of 1651, Dr. Petty obtained leave of absence from the college for two years, with an annual stipend of 30l. continued to him. His exact occupation in the months that succeeded is doubtful. He was probably engaged in travel, but whatever his ultimate intentions may have been, they were suddenly diverted into an unexpected channel, for, at the end of the year, he received the appointment of Physician-General to the army in Ireland, and to General Ireton, the Commander-in-Chief. He landed at Waterford on September 10, 1652, but found Ireton dead from the effect of fever and sickness, contracted at the siege of Limerick. He, however, received the same appointment from Ireton's successors, General Lambert and General Fleetwood, at a salary of 365l., and 35l. out of 'the State's apotheca,' and without being debarred from private practice.

Boyle had preceded him across the Channel. He was the owner of an estate which required attention. Ireland he found 'to be a barbarous country, where chemical spirits were so misunderstood and chemical instruments so unprocurable, that it was hard to have any Hermetic thoughts in it.' The arrival of Dr. Petty was consequently very welcome