JOSEPH BLACK: HIS LIFE AND WOKK 



THERE are some natures so happily constituted that they 

 escape many of the trials which beset most men. Marcus 

 Aurelius thanked his adopted father for having taught 

 him the advantages of ' a smooth and inoffensive temper ; 

 constancy to friends, without tiring or fondness; being 

 always satisfied and cheerful ; reaching forward into the 

 future, and managing accordingly ; not neglecting the least 

 concerns, but all without hurry, or being embarrassed.' 

 Such a character had Joseph Black. Dr. Robison, the editor 

 of his lectures, his successor in Glasgow University, and his 

 biographer, wrote : ' As he advanced in years his coun- 

 tenance continued to preserve that pleasing expression of 

 inward satisfaction, which, by giving ease to the beholder, 

 never fails to please. His manner was perfectly easy and 

 unaffected and graceful. He was of most easy approach, 

 affable, and readily entered into conversation, whether 

 serious or trivial. His mind being abundantly furnished 

 with matter, his conversation was at all times pertinent 

 and agreeable. He was a stranger to none of the elegant 

 accomplishments of life.' His friend Dr. Ferguson said of 

 him : ' As Dr. Black had never anything for ostentation, 

 he was at all times precisely what the occasion required , 

 and no more. Never did any one see Dr. Black hurried at 

 one time to recover matter which had been improperly 

 neglected on a former occasion. Everything being done in 

 its proper season and place, he ever seemed to have leisure 

 in store ; and he was ready to receive his friend or acquaint- 

 ance, and to take his part with cheerfulness in any con- 



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