was to Franklin an inexhaustible source of enjoyment.
Garrick was then in the meridian of his fame. He loved a good dinner,
and could, without inconvenience, empty the second bottle of claret.
He wrote to a friend,

"I find that I love company, chat, a laugh, a glass, and
even a song as well as ever."

At one time he took quite an extensive tour through England, visiting
the University at Cambridge. He was received with the most flattering
attentions from the chancellor and others of the prominent members of
the faculty. Indeed every summer, during his stay in England, Franklin
and his son spent a few weeks visiting the most attractive scenes of
the beautiful island. Wherever he went, he left an impression behind
him, which greatly increased his reputation.

At Cambridge he visited the chemical laboratory, with the
distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Hadley. Franklin suggested
that temperature could be astonishingly reduced by evaporation. It was
entirely a new idea to the Professor. They both with others repaired
to Franklin's room. He had ether there, and a thermometer. To the
astonishment of the Professor of Chemistry in Cambridge University,
the printer from Philadelphia showed him that by dipping the ball into
the ether, and then blowing upon it with bellows to increase the
evaporation, the mercury rapidly sunk twenty-five degrees below the
freezing point. Ice was formed a quarter of an inch thick, all around
the ball. Thus, surrounded by the professors of one of the most
distinguished universities of Europe, Benjamin Franklin was the
teacher of the teachers.

The father and the son visited the villages where their ancestors had
lived. They sought out poor relations, and examined the tombstones. In
the spring of 1769, they spent six weeks in Scotland. The University
of St. Andrews conferred upon Franklin the honorary title of doctor,
by which he has since been generally known. Other universities
received him with great distinction. The corporation of Edinburgh
voted him the freedom of the city. All the saloons of fashion were not
only open to receive him, but his presence, at every brilliant
entertainment, was eagerly sought. The most distinguished men of
letters crowded around him. Hume, Robertson and Lord Kames became his
intimate friends.

These were honors sufficient to turn the head of almost any man. But
Franklin, who allowed no adversity to annoy him, could not be unduly
elated by any