MEMOIR 



THE subject of thefbtiowmg-Tttemoir, though uni- 

 versally ranked among the most illustrious indivi- 

 duals whose names adorn the close of the last cen- 

 tury, has perhaps been chiefly known by his profi- 

 ciency in anatomy and surgery. That he is fully- 

 entitled to the highest celebrity in both these de- 

 partments, it is impossible to dispute ; but we may, 

 at the same time, confidently affirm, that, could his 

 own voice have been heard, he never would have 

 consented to rest his fame on any narrower basis 

 than that afforded by his indefatigable labours, and 

 his brilliant achievements in the wide field of natu- 

 ral science. 



It is not difficult to account for the partial notions 

 often entertained respecting Mr Hunter's scientific 

 character. It was as an anatomist he began his 

 bright career ; and, long before its close, he had ac- 

 quired a popularity as a surgeon which had nevec 

 before been equalled, and has never since been sin 

 passed. The study of anatomy and physiology, 



