376 LETTER TO 



,of that illustrious man. In this attempt, I should 

 first mark his various and extensive learning, his 

 modesty in the use of it, and his philosophical 

 distrust of human opinions in science, however 

 sanctioned by time, or the authority of great 

 names. I should then exhibit him in the exer- 

 cise of his profession, without envy or jealousy j 

 too proud to court employment, yet underva- 

 luing his services after they were performed ; 

 unwearied, even when a veteran in his art, in 

 ascertaining the minutest circumstances of the 

 sick, who placed themselves under his care, 

 taking nothing in their situation for granted, 

 that might be learned by inquiry, and trusting 

 nothing of importance that concerned them to 

 his memory. To demonstrate his greatness of 

 mind, I should next mention his repeatedly de- 

 clining to accept those offices of honour and 

 profit at the British court, which are regarded 

 by other physicians as objects of their highest 

 ambition, and are therefore sought by them with 

 the utmost assiduity. I should afterwards take 

 notice of his simple yet dignified manners, his 

 piety to God, his love for his country, and his 

 exemplary discharge of the duties of all the 

 private relations in which he stood to society; 

 and I should conclude by observing, that his 

 whole life had been regulated by the most ex- 

 quisite prudence, by means of which his other 

 virtues were rendered more conspicuous and 



