256 Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. 



I need hardly remind those of our number who have for 

 «ome years been connected with the Society, of the deep and 

 lively interest which Dr M'Bain always took in its business. 

 I have reason to know from himself that its prosperity was 

 ever a source of anxiety to him, and that no other Society 

 with which he was connected had such a place in his affections. 

 It is only fitting therefore that some kind words in memoriam 

 of our worthy departed friend should find a place in our 

 Proceedings. 



Dr James M'Bain was born at Logic, in the parish of 

 Kirriemuir, Forfarshire, on the 30th November 1807. He 

 received his elementary education at the Parish School of 

 Kirriemuir. At the age of thirteen he became apprentice to 

 Mr David Stewart, surgeon, Kirriemuir, and remained with 

 him for three years. He thereafter went to Edinburgh, in the 

 Session 1823-24, to prosecute the study of medicine, making 

 two voyages to Davis Straits during the summer months (as 

 was then the custom) as surgeon to the " Estadge " whale 

 ship, Captain Deuchar. In March 1826, he passed his 

 examination at Surgeons' Hall, Edinburgh, and received his 

 Diploma when only a few months over nineteen. 



In 1826, he graduated in Medicine at St Andrews 

 University, and in August 1827, he passed the examination 

 for Assistant Surgeon, Royal Navy, and shortly after received 

 an appointment on board H.M.S. "Undaunted" just then 

 commissioned at Chatham by Sir Augustus Clifford to take 

 out Lord William Bentinck as Governor-General of India. 

 The ship in due course arrived in the Hoogly at Diamond 

 Harbour, and Dr M'Bain resided for three weeks at Calcutta 

 as the guest of the Governor-General at Fort- William. 



For several years Dr M'Bain remained attached to the 

 " Undaunted," cruising among the Azores and Cape de Verde 

 Islands on the outlook for pirates, and on other special service, 

 during which period he had many opportunities for scientific 

 observation, and of thus laying a good foundation for the 

 working life of a naturalist. 



In 1832, Dr M'Bain was appointed Assistant Surgeon to 

 H.M.S. " Investigator, " surveying vessel, commanded by 

 Captain George Thomas, who was then employed in the 



