Black taught Beddoes in Edinburgh: Beddoes complained to him about Oxford’s lack of scientific potential. He met Lavoisier on a trip to Paris. Josiah Wedgwood helped him establish his ‘Pneumatic Institute’, Watt developing equipment for his nitrous oxide experiments, and Darwin, a friend, proposing Bristol for his base. Davy (recommended by Thomas Wedgwood) acted as Beddoes’ assistant, later commenting on his shyness and wild imagination. Coleridge, a close friend, consulted him on his medical problems, imaginary and real. Keir introduced him to R. L. Edgeworth, whose daughter he married: Thomas Lovell Beddoes was their son.