KauKTi'Tu'] I^oi/al Microscopical Sociehj. 143 



accuracy and originality which characterized his microscopical 

 work. Indeed there were few subjects in hterature, science, or art 

 with which he did not show himself more or less familiar. His 

 clear, calm judgment and strict integrity made his opinion highly 

 valued among his friends in matters of difficulty or dispute. He 

 was most unselfish, and scrupulously tender of hurting the feelings 

 of others, and extremely generous in the pecuniary support of 

 pubHc philanthropic objects, as well as in secret acts of charity. 

 Though warmly attached to the religious Society of Friends, to 

 which he belonged, he was a man of very liberal views and catholic 

 sympathies. But the crowning grace of this beautiful character, 

 though it might veil his rich gifts from those not intimate with 

 him, was a most rare modesty and Christian humility. 



Living to an advanced age, he retained his activity of body and 

 mind to the last. But while to his friends this appeared remark- 

 ably the case, he was himself keenly alive to the gradual effects of 

 years upon him, and his sensitive nature shrank from the idea of 

 the helpless state to which he might be brought if his life should be 

 prolonged like his father's, who lived to 98 ; and he often expressed 

 the desire that he " might not outHve his powers." His wish was 

 granted. He had only just returned from a stay at the sea-side, 

 where he had enjoyed long rambles and excursions, when a feverish 

 attack rapidly but almost painlessly prostrated his strength. Fully 

 aware that his end was approaching, his loving interest in others 

 was conspicuous to the last, while for himself he showed no anxiety, 

 except the earnest desire for a speedy dismissal. He died at Upton 

 House, in Essex, on the 24th of October, 1869, in the 84th year of 

 his age. 



Believe me, 



My dear Sir, ■ 



Yours very sincerely, 



Joseph Lister. 

 To the Eev. J, B. Reade, F.E.S., P.R.M.S. 



