(38) HISrORT of the SOCIETK 



w^HTmiiton ^^^ Opportunity hinted at foon occurred. Mr Hamilton 



came to Glafgow in 1780, and taught for his father during the 

 eniuing winter. Having given moll: fatisfying proofs of know- 

 ledge in anatomy, and of talents as a ledlurer, he was appointed 

 in 1 78 1 fucceflbr to his father, who had refigned fome time be- 

 fore. When confulted about this appointment, Dr Hunter 

 faid to the Marquis of Graham, now Duke of Montrose, 

 " That from an intimate knowledge of Mr Ham ilton, as a 

 man, and as an anatomift, he thought him every thing that 

 could be wilhed for in a fucceflbr to his father, and that it was 

 the intereft of Glafgow to ^ive him, rather than his to folicit the 

 appointment." 



His father lived till January 1782 ; but the whole burden of 

 lecturing, and the greateft part of the bufmefs, devolved on the 

 fon. The bufinefs was very extenfive, as old Mr Hamilton 

 was connefled with many of the mofl refpedlable families in 

 Glafgow and its neighbourhood. His profeflional characfter, 

 too, was high as a fuccefsful pradtitioner, and a fkilful opera- 

 tor ; and being withal a man of great hilarity, and genuine hu- 

 mour, his company was courted by all who reliftied wit and 

 good fellowfliip. From the co-operation of fo many favourable 

 circumftances, Mr Hamilton's progrefs was extremely rapid, 

 his outfet being encumbered with few of thofe difficulties, which 

 have often obllruded the courfe of other young pradlitioners. 

 His father lived long enough to introduce him fully. His 

 youth did not diminiili the confidence of his patients ; becaufe, 

 befides knowing that he had ftudied w_ith uncommon care, in 

 fituations the moil favourable for acquiring knowledge, they 

 believed that he had ready accefs at all times to the experience 

 of his father. By gentlenefs of manners, by unafFeded benevo- 

 lence, by the mofl prudent circuinfpedlion in all his condudl, 

 and by unremitting attention to his patients, he not only re- 

 tained moll of thofe who had employed his father, but added 



many 



