MEMOIR OF 



purpose of studying their prescriptions; and 

 though resolved to go little into society, but to 

 read much, he at this time formed some valu- 

 able acquaintances, among whom he enumerates 

 Mr Archibald Hope, (afterwards Sir Archibald, 

 and a Lord of Session ;) Mr Patrick Drummond, 

 a cousin by his mother's side, with whom he 

 carried on a correspondence on subjects relative 

 to Experimental Philosophy ; Mr James Aird, a 

 pupil of Leighton's " a serious Christian ;" and 

 Mr James Fall, afterwards doctor, and first prin- 

 cipal of thp University of Glasgow. Amidst this 

 cours^ of life, he was seized with an alarming 

 fr /er, during which his life was despaireo\ of, but 

 after a confinement of near three months, he 

 recovered, and was able to resume his practice. 



About four years after this, the return of Dr 

 Andrew Balfour from France,* was the means of 



* Sir Andrew Balfour was the youngest son of Sir 

 Michael Balfour of Denmiln, in the county of Fife, and 

 was born there January 18, 1630. He studied at St 

 Andrews, London, Blois, and Paris, and finally obtained 

 his diploma of M.D. at Caen, September 20, 1661. 

 Returning to London, he was introduced to King Charles 

 II. and was recommended by him to the office of travelling 

 tutor to the young Earl of Rochester, a pupil who certainly 

 reflected no credit on him ; but who, on his deathbed, 

 acknowledged the Doctor's zealous endeavours to encourage 

 him in virtuous practices, and to restrain him from vice. 

 During these travels, he diligently observed every thing 

 connected with the laws, customs, antiquities, museums, 



