Having no professional engagements, it was assumed that 

 Mr Wilson abounded in leisure ; but to do all the work 

 which busier men are unable to overtake, is itself an 

 arduous calling. It was the advantage of his learned bre- 

 thren, that most of them had ostensible occupations, and 

 from any inconvenient intrusion the professor could take 

 refuge in " the business of his class," the doctor and the 

 lawyer in the demands of his " practice," but our friend 

 had no such apology ; nor even if he had possessed it, 

 would it have availed a disposition so kind and courteous. 

 He had a deep and true desire to serve his generation: 

 there was no one from whom it was less formidable to ask 

 a favour ; and when invited to bear another's burden, no 

 one could lend the helping hand with more unfeigned 

 alacrity. Happy was the board or committee which could 

 enlist his name, for it was sure of a conscientious member ; 

 and no less happy was the scientific stranger who sought 

 out his abode, and who, certain of a cordial welcome, not 

 unfrequently commenced an enduring and delightful inti- 

 macy. Happy was the secretary who had such a colleague, 



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