Sketch of (he Life of the late Professor Edward Forbes. 47 



address on the state of geology, which has been recently pub- 

 lished. 



In May 1 854, on the demise of Prof. Jameson, he was called 

 to the Chair of Natural History in this University. This had 

 long been, to him, an object of his highest ambition. No one 

 was so well qualified for it ; and, had he been spared, he would 

 undoubtedly have greatly extended its reputation, and would 

 have made our university still more eminent as a school of 

 science. Often had he stated in his letters, that he looked on 

 Edinburgh as a place where the finest Natural History School 

 in Eui'ope could be formed. The Museum would, under his 

 auspices, have mightily increased. Even during the short 

 period he was with us, boxes of specimens were coming in from 

 all quarters. He had resolved to dedicate himself to the work 

 of arrangement ; and his services in connexion with the New 

 Museum of Economic Geology were looked forward to as of 

 immense importance. The opening of the Museum to the 

 public, and to all students of natural history, was an object he 

 had in view ; and he had already shown his liberal spirit by 

 opening it to the pupils of natural history under Dr. Fleming 

 at the New College. 



He lectured last summer with the greatest success. His 

 class amounted to 150, and all felt that they were listening to 

 the prelections of a master-mind in science. Already had he 

 inspired many with something of his own zeal ; and his excur- 

 sions to various places in the neighbourhood, such as Craigleith, 

 Arthur's Seat, Inchkeith, Inchcolm, and Loch Lomond, were 

 but foretastes of what he would have done in the way of practical 

 geology. He had laid large and comprehensive plans, both as 

 regards zoology and geology, and had commenced in earnest 

 museum work. 



Those who had the privilege of being with him in the class- 

 room and in the field during his short career in Edinburgh as a 

 Professor, saw something of his merits as an expounder of 

 nature in a comprehensive way. He took an enlarged grasp of 

 science in all its departments, and in all countries; his prelections 

 were of a nature never yet equalled in Britain. AVith all his 

 knowledge, he combined an aff"ability, a modesty, a kindness, 

 and patient perseverance which endeared him to every one. 

 No student of nature was beneath his notice ; no fact recorded 

 by a pupil, however humble, was passed with neglect. He was 

 ready at all times to be questioned, and was prompt to point 

 out any spark of merit in others. He had no jealousy, and 

 never indulged in attacks on others. He gave full credit to all, 

 and was more ready to see the bright than the dark spots in 

 the character. Even to those who had criticised him severely, 



