MEMOIR OF THE LATE DR THOMAS CHARLES HOPE. 427 



resigned to his younger brethren the duties of the Infirmary, and of Clinical 

 instruction. 



Dr Hope is the author of a decided improvement on the Eudiometer of 

 ScHEELE, which, by permitting the convenient agitation of the included air with 

 the liquid that absorbs the oxj^gen, expedites and simplifies that process ; and 

 is described in most elementary works on Chemistry. — {See Micholsmi's Journal, 

 Vol. VI.) 



The establishment of Mechanics' Institutions, or Schools of Art for the 

 instruction of the humbler classes, gave to that rank of society means of acquiring 

 information beyond that usually obtained by many of the wealthier classes ; and, 

 in the opinion of some, diminished the respect of mechanics for individuals less 

 knowing than themselves. The system of courses of popular lectures on scientific 

 subjects for both sexes, which had prevailed for many years in various parts of 

 England, was comparatively little practised in Scotland, when Dr Hope delivered, 

 in the spring of 1826, a short course of chemical lectures to Ladies and Gentle- 

 men. His vast lecture-room was crowded with what he described to me as 

 a " most brilliant audience ;" and his example was soon followed by more than 

 one of his colleagues in the University, and by several of the eminent men who 

 then taught different branches of natural science in their private establishments ; 

 undoubtedly with no small benefit to the rising generation, and the more general 

 diffusion, among all ranks, of interesting subjects of contemplation, and of con- 

 versation. Even admitting that the knowledge thus diffused is not deep, it has 

 imparted to social intercourse, a vigour and variety that contrasts favom-ably with 

 the former insipidities and frivolities of fashionable society. 



Dr Hope had always endeavoured to impress his pupils with the importance 

 of Practical Chemistry, and introduced into the University classes for the cultiva- 

 tion of that branch of study ; but, from increasing years, and love of ease, this 

 department he soon almost whoUy abandoned to his assistants. 



In 1828, to encourage the study of chemistry among the students in the 

 University, particularly in the practical department, he instituted a chemical 

 prize ; and, for this purpose, presented to the Senatus Academicus a sum of £800, 

 as a fund, the interest of which should, annually or triennially, be given as a 

 prize to the author of the best essay on a given chemical subject, illustrated by 

 experiment. It should be observed, that money thus liberally bestowed, was the 

 sum which Dr Hope had received for his popular lectures on chemistry, which he 

 appears from the beginning to have destined for this purpose. 



For many years Dr Hope appears to have abandoned the pursuit of original 

 research, with which he had so auspiciously commenced his chemical career, and 



W to have confined his efforts to the improvement of his lectures, and the devising 



B of striking experimental illustrations. 



^L I find no original paper of his, from the publication of his investigations on 



^B VOL. XVI. PAKT IV. 5 Q 



