1 2 Biographical Sketch 



mark on time in spite of countless difficulties ; 

 then being extinguished in its dawn. The 

 subject of this brief sketch was nursed on 

 science and literature. His father was Dr 

 Laurence Edmondston, a well-known natural- 

 ist ; his mother was one of the group of 

 writers which the brothers Chambers gathered 

 together and introduced to the world through 

 their enterprising Journal. His home was 

 visited betimes by men of note, so that the 

 boy was early brought into touch with great 

 minds. 



He was a delicate-looking, sweet-tempered 

 child and lad. His natural simplicity of 

 character, combined with quick aptitude and 

 shrewd reflection, also added to the singular 

 charm of his appearance. 



When fifteen years of age he paid his first 

 visit to the mainland of Scotland with his 

 mother, who tells us that ladies of "polished 

 Dublin and aristocratic Edinburgh " expected 

 to meet a shy, countrified boy, and were 

 " agreeably surprised by the intelligence and 

 grace he displayed." Not shy but modest, 

 not forward but frank and at his ease. 



On that occasion he made the personal 

 acquaintance of many scientists with whom 



