MEMOIR OF CAMPER. 21 



Medicine, on which occasion he published two dis- 

 sertations, the one On Vision, and the other On 

 Certain Parts of the Eye, both of which have been 

 preserved by Haller. In the former, he illustrates 

 and defends Smith's theory of vision, and in the lat- 

 ter he describes and gives plates of the canal of Pe- 

 tit, in the eyes of several of the lower animals. 



The acquaintance which Camper had formed with 

 several foreigners of merit, had long inspired him 

 with the desire of travelling, and gratifying his thirst 

 for knowledge, by visiting different countries, and 

 conversing with men distinguished for their acquire- 

 ments in the several branches of science. But the 

 declining health of his parents, who were now ad- 

 vancing in years, and required the continual presence 

 and kindest attentions of their son, long prevented 

 him from accomplishing his wishes. Their death, 

 however, which happened in 1748, released him 

 from duties which he had the consolation of reflect- 

 ing had been assiduously discharged ; and he soon 

 after, at the age of twenty-six, embarked for Eng- 

 land. 



Furnished with the best letters of introduction, he 

 soon made the acquaintance of many of the most emi- 

 nent scientific men in London, and assiduously attend- 

 ed the courses of instruction which were then deliver- 

 ed. Of the individuals who thus became his masters 

 and future friends, we may mention, among medical 

 men, Dr Mead and the Hunters, Smellie, Pringle, and 

 Piteairn, whilst by his intercourse with such men 



