7S MEMOIR OF 



Among the friends of Sir Hans, may be men* 

 tinned the names of Sydenham, Boyle, Evelyn, 

 Ray, Lister, Edwards, and indeed all the aristo- 

 cracy of talent in existence during his life. To 

 have commanded the esteem and respect of such 

 men, would reflect honour on any one. We have 

 seen the affectionate memorial of him penned by 

 Edwards, many years after his death ; and Ray, 

 while on his deathbed, addressed him in the 

 following terms, being the last lines he ever 

 wrote ; " and which bear," says Dr Derham, 

 " the marks of a dying hand in every letter." 



DEAR SIR, The best of friends ; these are to 

 take a final leave of you as to this world. I look 

 upon myself as a dying man. God requite your 

 kindness expressed any ways towards me an 

 hundred fold. Bless you with a confluence of all 

 good things in this world, and eternal life and 

 happiness hereafter. Grant us an happy meeting 

 in heaven. I am, Sir, eternally yours, 



JOHN RAY. 

 Black Notley, Jan. 7, 1704. 



Postscript, When you happen to write to my 

 singular friend, Dr Hotten, I pray tell him I 

 received his most obliging and affectionate letter, 

 for which I return thanks, and acquaint him that 

 I was not able to answer it \ or . 



