I earnestly
desired to go through a regular course of mathematical and astronomical
science, even including the highest branches, he gave me a list of the
requisite books, which were in French, and consisted of Francoeur's
pure "Mathematics," and his "Elements of Mechanics," La Croix's
"Algebra," and his large work on the "Differential and Integral
Calculus," together with his work on "Finite Differences and Series,"
Biot's "Analytical Geometry and Astronomy," Poisson's "Treatise on
Mechanics," La Grange's "Theory of Analytical Functions," Euler's
"Algebra," Euler's "Isoperimetrical Problems" (in Latin), Clairault's
"Figure of the Earth," Monge's "Application of Analysis to Geometry,"
Callet's "Logarithms," La Place's "Mecanique Celeste," and his
"Analytical Theory of Probabilities," &c., &c., &c.[6]

I was thirty-three years of age when I bought this excellent little
library. I could hardly believe that I possessed such a treasure when I
looked back on the day that I first saw the mysterious word "Algebra,"
and the long course of years in which I had persevered almost without
hope. It taught me never to despair. I had now the means, and pursued my
studies with increased assiduity; concealment was no longer possible,
nor was it attempted. I was considered eccentric and foolish, and my
conduct was highly disapproved of by many, especially by some members of
my own family, as will be seen hereafter. They expected me to entertain
and keep a gay house for them, and in that they were disappointed. As I
was quite independent, I did not care for their criticism. A great part
of the day I was occupied with my children; in the evening I worked,
played piquet with my father, or played on the piano, sometimes with
violin accompaniment.

* * * * *

This was the most brilliant period of the _Edinburgh Review_; it was
planned and conducted with consummate talent by a small society of men
of the most liberal principles. Their powerful articles gave a severe
and lasting blow to the oppressive and illiberal spirit which had
hitherto prevailed. I became acquainted with some of these illustrious
men, and with many of their immediate successors. I then met Henry
Brougham, who had so remarkable an influence on my future life. His
sister had been my early companion, and while visiting her I saw her
mother--a fine, intelligent old lady, a niece of Robertson the
historian. I had seen the Rev. Sydney Smith, that celeb