l8 37'3 8 ' WORK IN PROSPECT. 51 



you might have told me whether it was ladies or no. As to 

 my reaching London, you know, Dan, nothing would give 

 me more pleasure ; and to spend a winter there would 

 greatly delight me, and I'm sure I could turn it to very 

 great professional benefit. Dr. Christison and Mr. Kemp 

 would give me letters to Professor Graham, and I would 

 perhaps get introduced to Faraday; also there are classes 

 there that I cannot attend here, and I won't state any 

 hypothetical objections, but I do not entertain a hope 

 of being there. Had I gained that Essay, I should have 

 come up in autumn to spend the winter with you ; but 

 I did not, and I ceased to look forward to the realization 

 of my hopes. Further, and let this be your consolation, 

 I would not like to leave Mary at present. Meanwhile, 

 I shall be very busy preparing for my first physician's 

 examination in May. I, in the midst of much haziness 

 from dull weather, remain your very affectionate brother, 



"GEORGE." 



" April 6tk. 



" I grieve to say I cannot encourage the hope of seeing 

 you in London this summer or autumn, and that I trust 

 you will not either form high hopes, or, above all, 

 deny yourself the visitation of interesting things about 

 London with the affectionate intention of waiting for me, 

 for really, Daniel, I know not when I shall get up. As 

 soon as I pass my examination, which will be ' some time 

 in May, I shall have to begin German, to re-study French, 

 to attend the Infirmary, to attend (most horrible) the Dis- 

 pensary, as necessary studies and duties. Further, I shall 

 have to write my Thesis, 1 which I cannot put off till winter, 



1 The inaugural disseitation required from graduates of medicine. 

 E 2 



