214 Miscellanies. 
principal object of his study, he went, even after taking his degree, 
to Géttingen, where he continued for two years, devoting his whole 
attention, under Professor Stromeyer, to that science and the kindred 
one of mineralogy. He returned to Edinburgh in 1824, and began 
to lecture on his favorite science. On the foundation of the Uni- 
versity of London, in 1828, he was appointed Professor of Chemis- 
try at that Institution, to the success of which, asa medical school 
especially, by his character, his abilities, his indefatigable exertions 
as a man of science and asa teacher, his prudence, and the amenity 
of his manners, he has contributed a very ample share. His class 
has been large and constantly flourishing; bis lectures were remark- 
able for the simplicity and clearness with which the most apparently 
complicated principles and facts were expounded, insomuch that he 
was considered by his pupils a model of an effective teacher. He 
always maintained and was most successful in showing that a course 
of instruction in any one department of knowledge may be made 
a high mental exercise, and the means of invigorating generally the 
reasoning powers.” 
* Dr. Turner’s first publication was a small treatise on the Atomic 
- He was the author of several papers in scientific period- 
icals, and in the Transactions of the Royal Societies of Edinburgh 
and London, of both which societies he was a Fellow. 
“If Dr. Turner had not been so much distinguished by his en- 
larged intelligence, his consummate ability as a teacher and his fame 
as a chemist, he would have been nevertheless remarkable for his 
high moral qualities. It was impossible to have passed the shortest 
time in his society, or even to have “ looked in his face,” without 
being struck by the extraordinary amenity and benevolence which 
were his characteristics. It is a fact well known to those intimately 
acquainted with him, that his temper never appeared ruffled, and 
the tranquilizing effect of his mere presence on the angry feelings 
of others has often been remarkable. 
“Dr. Turner was a member of the established Church of Eng- 
land, and a strict observer of its ordinances ; but he afforded an ex- 
ample that sincerity in attachment to its principles is perfeetly con- 
sistent with the toleration, in spirit, as well as in demeanor, of adverse 
opinions. His particular religious sentiments were never obtruded, 
and the strength of his feelings on the subject was known only to his 
family and most intimate friends. 
