APPENDIX. 83 



The air ot Loudon was unfavourable to bis bealth, 

 wLich compelled him to make frequent excursions 

 into the country. But no time was lost by these ex- 

 cursions. His investigating mind was busily em- 

 ployed in acquiring knowledge of various kinds ; and 

 bis familiar letters, during his abode in England, to 

 his friends in America, gave promise of that devoted 

 attachment to science, for which bis character was 

 afterwards distinguished. 



Having remained a year in England, be repaired 

 to Edinburgh, where ho passed bis time, not like ma- 

 ny young men, in frivolous or vicious amusements ; 

 but in study, in attending lectures, in cultivating the 

 friendship of distinguished persons. To act a part 

 like this, requires no small share of good sense and 

 resolution. But to understand the merit of Wistar^ 

 it should be known, that in consequence of his fa- 

 ther's death, be was easy in bis fortune, and uncon- 

 trolled master of bis actions. Groat is the danger 

 to which youth is exposed in populous cities. To 

 each is offered the choice of Hercules. The paths of 

 pleasure and of virtue lie open before tlicm. False 

 steps are not easily retraced ; for the diverging paths 

 grow wider and wider asunder, until they terminate 

 in the opposite extremes of infamy and honour. 



Always intent on improving bis opportunities, he 



