vin 



of the first k> notice hysteresis, which he describes as the forces 

 resisting magnetisation being like friction. 



It is to be regretted that in his electromagnetic theory Clansius 

 was led by the algebraic methods of Weber rabher than by the 

 geometrical insight of Faraday, or by some mechanical theory, such 

 as directed his steps in thermodynamics. If his constructive genius 

 had been here well directed, there might now exist a satisfactory 

 theory of electromagnetic action ; he might have founded the theory 

 of ether as well as of gas ; he had genius enough to do it. 



Though not himself an experimentalist, he valued and wns 

 eminently able to criticise and use the results of experiment. He 

 had that clear grasp of natural phenomena which leads to a right 

 interpretation of them, and that concrete practical conception of them 

 that leads to a continual reference back of the interpretation to expe- 

 rimental numerical verification. He was a noble example of the 

 spirit that devotes itself to directly benefiting mankind, and that 

 does not waste time on petty elaborations of pretty problems. He 

 was in the highest sense practical, his work is eternal, and his 

 memory will live as long as mankind reveres its benefactors. 



G. F. F. G. 



Sir WILLIAM GULL died on the 28th day of January, 1890, at 

 his house in Brook Street, in his 74th year. His was one of the 

 many distinguished names which refute the imputation of dulness 

 upon the Eastern counties. He was born in the north-east corner 

 of Essex, at one of the many villages which retain the old English 

 name of Thorpe. While he was still a child his father died, and 

 he was dependent for his education upon his mother's character and 

 his own exertions. While teaching in the village school, he attracted 

 the attention of the late Mr. Benjamin Harrison, for many years the 

 Treasurer of Guy's Hospital, and the wise ruler of its Medical School. 

 Thorpe-le-Soken lay in the midst of the Essex estates of the Hospital, 

 and the Treasurer performed all the duties of a good landlord. 

 Telling the friendless youth, " If you will help yourself I will help 

 you," he brought him up to London, and gave him employment in 

 transcribing Museum catalogues, and other clerical work in the 

 Hospital counting-house. While thus employed Gull matriculated at 

 the University of London in 1838, and by the Treasurer's influence 

 was admitted to attendance on the courses of lectures at Guy's. His 

 industry and talents procured him an honourable degree in 1841. 

 Dr. Quain, who graduated the year before, Sir Edmund Parkes, who 

 passed iu the same year, and Sir Alfred Garrod and Dr. George 

 Johnson, who followed in 1842, all became like him Fellows of this 

 Society, and all, with the exception of the lamented Parkes, survive 

 hioi. 



