1815.) Smithson Tennant, Esq. 9 
comprehensive view of the origin and progress of medicine, and of 
the various medical theories and opinions which have prevailed in 
different ages and countries ; atid seemed on this account peculiarly 
well qualified (independently of his practical knowledge) to have 
written a philosophical history of the science. 
But the question was very differerit, how far he was well qualified 
to practise medicine with advantage as a lucrative profession ; and 
the period was now artived, when this point was to be deter- 
mined. Several of his friends, although very doubtful as to the 
ultimaté success of the measure which they recommended, were 
yet extremely desirous that he should try the effects of a regular 
profession ; which they considered as affording the best prospect of 
giving an useful direction to his talents, and fixing his desultory 
habits. In deference chiefly to their opinion, he took his degree of 
Doctor of Physic at Cambridge in the year 1796, and for some 
time had serious thoughts of commencing medical practice. But, 
after some hesitation, he wisely relinquished a design, which, whether 
successful or not, was unlikely to contribute to his happiness. His 
desires were moderate, and his private fortune exempted him from 
the necessity of following any employment as the means of sub- 
sistence. He was at liberty, therefore, to indulge his own inclina- 
tions ; and his careless, independent habits of life, no less than the 
general cast of his character and understanding, rendered him 
altogether averse to the drudgery and restraints of a profession. It 
may be observed also as a circumstance by which he was undoubt- 
edly much influenced in adopting this resolution, that he had suf- 
fered very greatly, during his attendance at the hospitals, in conse- 
quence of the acute and painful emotions he had constantly expe- 
tienced from those sights of hopeless misery which he had so often 
occasion to witness. He justly apprehended that the frequent 
recurrence of such scenes, unavoidable in medical practice, would 
be destructive of his comfort and happiness. 
The keen and exquisite sensibility, from which these feelings 
originated, was a striking feature in Mr. Tennant’s character, and 
not only gave a colour to many of his opinions, but powerfully in- 
fluenced his conduct. An instance of his practical benevolence, de- 
rived from this principle, happened about this period, which may 
perhaps deserve to be mentioned. He hada steward in the country 
in whom he had long placed implicit confidence, and who was con- 
siderably indebted to him. In consequence of this man’s becoming 
embarrassed in his circumstances, Mr. T. went into the country, in 
order to look into his accounts. A time and place were appointed 
for him to produce his books, and shew the extent of the defi- 
ciency; but the unfortunate steward felt himself unequal to the 
task of such an explanation; and in a fit of despair put an end to 
his own existence. Touched by this melancholy event, Mr. ‘T. used 
his utmost exertions for the relief and protection of the family 
whom he had left, and not only forgave them the debt, but afforded 
them pecuniary assistance, and continued ever afterwards to be their 
friend and benefactor, 
