38 
the session (the courts of justice) rises then. I 
have not been to Archer’s-hall again, nor to the 
concert, but have been to three assemblies in the 
new town, in a room opened only this season, 
where there is a subscription-ball every Friday. I 
have a very useful friend in Lady Gordon, with 
whom I became acquainted at the Queen’s assembly, 
and who always finds me a partner when I am at a 
loss for one. It is a common complaint among the 
students, that the Edinburgh people are very proud, 
and that students are despised by them: I have not 
experienced any neglect on account of my profes- 
sion, nor do I believe that any one who behaves de- 
cently will experience it. 
The Miss Riddels are excellent acquaintances for 
me; they have very good connections, and are per- 
fectly conversant with genteel life: they are my 
privy counsellors in all matters of etiquette, and are 
quite unreserved and familiar with me. 
Mr. Martineau advises me to get into the Medi- 
cal Society ; but there is a law made, that no more 
can be admitted this year. The Earl of Buchan was 
made an honorary member last Saturday ; but that 
is an extraordinary thing. I always find means to get 
in as a visitor: I was there last Saturday fortnight, 
and spoke twice, from which I hope you will think 
Ihave got rid of some of my mawvaise honte. The 
members were disputing on the analogy of the dis- 
eases of brutes with those of men, and how far the 
method of cure, which succeeds in theirs, might be 
applied to ours. I ventured to represent the dan- 
ger which might happen from trusting too much to 
