For this he was at once bitterly attacked.

In spite of his high position, his blameless life, his liberal gifts to charity and learning, the Oxford pulpit was especially severe against him, declaring that his researches were destroying religion and his experiments undermining the university.

Public orators denounced him, the wits ridiculed him, and his associates in the peerage were indignant that he should condescend to pursuits so unworthy.

But Boyle pressed on.

His discoveries opened new paths in various directions and gave an impulse to a succession of vigorous investigators.