render it difficult for me to turn my attention to subjects out of my province; but if the question should ever become a strictly medical one, I should feel it due to my country, and to the cause of humanity, to lend the aid of my feeble pen on the affirmative side. "I remain, dear Sir, "Yours faithfully,

66

"J. HOPE."

“ P.S.—Though I do not see the name of Dr. Holland on the list, I have accidentally pitched upon the following passage in his book:

"We have not less assurance that it (wine) is, in numerous other cases, habitually injurious in relation both to the digestive organs and to the functions of the brain. And it may be affirmed generally (as a point wholly apart from the enormous abuse of spirits amongst the lower orders) that the use of wine is far too large for any real necessity or utility in the classes which consume it in this country. Modern custom has abridged the excess, but much remains to be done before the habit is brought down to a salutary level; and medical practice is greatly too indulgent on this point to the weakness of those with whom it deals." Again, "It is the part of every wise man once, at least, in life to make trial of the effect of leaving off wine altogether; and this even without the suggestion of actual malady. To obtain them (the results) fairly, the abandonment must be complete for a time-a measure of no risk even where the change is greatest.""

In justice to Mr. Julius Jeffreys and Mr. Barker, we ought to observe, that no trickery was used by the former talented and benevolent individual in procuring signatures to the tee-total testimony; and that Mr. Barker subsequently explained that he had formed such an opinion from finding that in some tee-total publications the authority of the eminent physicians and surgeons signing the testimony, had been quoted as able advocates of tee-totalism-a fact which he could not believe, as he knew several of them not to be themselves tee-totallers. Dr. Hope's letter explained to Mr. Barker that this was not the proper interpretation to place on the testimony. Tee-totalism, in common with every other good system, has doubtless been injured in public estimation by the injudicious conduct of some of its supporters; but Dr. Hope, notwithstanding, thought the above testimony calculated to do so much good, that he purchased several hundred copies of it, and distributed them widely, wherever he found the opportunity.

The winter and spring passed without any material change in Dr. Hope's health. As he had not suffered from a return to his professional engagements, his family were full of hope that a longer residence in the country than usual would remove all fears of any serious mischief in his lungs. He left town in the beginning of August, and selected the Highlands of Scotland as a summer residence, because he had always

derived great benefit from their pure and bracing climate. During one fortnight which he spent at Lochindorb, he was sufficiently well to be able, mounted on a Highland pony, to go out shooting for several hours daily; but, with this exception, he was much worse during the two months which he spent in Scotland. His general health, which had, hitherto, been excellent, now gave way. Enlargement and inflammation of the liver were added to his former malady, and the great aggravation of his chest symptoms, on his journey homeward, led him to conclude that abscesses in the lungs had burst.

CHAPTER III.

In the foregoing pages we have described the career of a physician who seeks eminence by making it the interest of the public to consult him. It has also been our pleasing task to show that in the midst of professional toils and temptations, religious principle may be nourished, its influence avowed as the main spring of action, and its consolations experienced in the reference of every trial and every blessing to a Divine hand. Were we writing the memoir of one whose greatest distinction lay in his professional and

scientific reputation, we might here lay down the pen, for Dr. Hope had attained the objects of his ambition, and his professional career was about to close. But Dr. Hope was more than a physician and a man of science

he was a Christian, not only in name and in profession, but in spirit and in truth. The genial influence of Christianity had been evident in the public maintenance of a course of integrity, honour, and usefulness, in the endearing family relations and in the social circle. But it was more evident in the trials of sickness and in the hour of death-that solemn hour which lays bare the weakness of human nature, exposes the sophistry of false philosophy, and tests the strength and sincerity of a religious profession.

We now, therefore, turn to the closing scenes of his life, and we hope to shew that in these, no less than in the fulfilment of his active duties, he furnishes an example which may be followed with advantage.

The sole earthly chance of Dr. Hope's restoration to health had rested on the benefits to be derived from the two months spent in Scotland. He had now returned, and he could not disguise from himself that, instead of being improved, his health was much deteriorated. This was visible to all, though his great cheerfulness of mind would have deluded his friends into hope, had not his increased earnestness on religious subjects convinced them that he felt his near approach to eternity.

It is very

commonly said that illness is peculiarly distressing to medical men, because they see their own symptoms, and agitated by conflicting hopes and fears, are disqualified from prescribing for themselves, and yet unwilling to submit to the direction of others.

The very reverse of this was Dr. Hope's conduct. He observed his own symptoms with as cool and accurate an eye as he would those of another; he formed a dispassionate opinion on them, and yet, without abandoning that opinion, he was willing to submit in all things to the directions of those whom he had invested with the authority of his medical advisers. His calm exercise of observation and judgment on his own case may be attributed to the fact that he did not fear a fatal result, while he could not hope for a favourable one. His submission to the decision of others arose from the sense of duty. He believed that in choosing medical attendants he had thrown on them the responsibilities of prescribing, and that it was his duty to follow their guidance as implicitly as he himself would expect a patient of his own to act according to his.

Dr. Latham and Dr. Watson wished him to go to Madeira for the winter. His own opinion was opposed to theirs, for he thought that so far from arresting the malady, a change to a warm climate would only accelerate its termination. However, in accordance