346 BLACK. 



attention, to impress his memory, and to show him 

 both the connexion of the theory with the facts, and 

 the steps by which the principles were originally ascer- 

 tained. The scheme of the lectures may thence be ap- 

 prehended the execution imperfectly ; for the diction 

 was evidently, in many instances, extemporaneous, the 

 notes before the teacher furnishing him with little 

 more than the substance, especially of those portions 

 which were connected with experiments. But still 

 less can the reader rise from the perusal to any con- 

 ception of the manner. Nothing could be more 

 suited to the occasion ; it was perfect philosophical 

 calmness ; there was no effort ; it was an easy and a 

 graceful conversation. The voice was low, but per- 

 fectly distinct and audible through the whole of a large 

 hall crowded in every part with mutely attentive lis- 

 teners ; it was never forced at all any more than were the 

 motions of the hands, but it was anything rather than 

 monotonous. Perfect elegance as well as repose was the 

 phrase by which every hearer and spectator naturally, 

 and as if by common consent, described the whole de- 

 livery. The accidental circumstance of the great 

 teacher's aspect, I hope I may be pardoned for stopping 

 to note, while endeavouring to convey the idea of a phi- 

 losophic discoverer. His features were singularly grace- 

 ful, full of intelligence, but calm as suited his manner 

 and his speech. His high forehead and sharp temples 

 were slightly covered, when I knew him, with hair of a 

 snow-white hue, and his mouth gave a kindly as well 

 as most intelligent expression to his whole features. In 

 one department of his lecture he exceeded any I have 

 ever known, the neatness and unvarying success with 



