DK. JOHN REID. 65 



Germany caught the first tangible ray — in the cell- 

 genesis or theory of growth ; and minds loyal to science 

 were everywhere on the qui vive for the new develop- 

 mental anatomy upon which to found a new physiology 

 and pathology. Of his companions or coursers in the 

 race it is needful to speak, as their example and work 

 tended much, if a photographic simile can be allowed, 

 to develop the Goodsir " negative " — to educe the finer 

 lines, and to give breadth of tone to his scientific por- 

 traiture. 



Dr. John Eeid was at this time (1840) lecturing 

 on physiology and acting as pathologist to the Eoyal 

 Infirmary — his rooms there being the rendezvous of 

 a circle of hearty friends.* His statistics on the 

 comparative weights of the different human viscera, 

 his observations on fever, and other pathological in- 

 quiries (in some of which he was associated with Dr. 

 Henderson), proved the good use he made of his 

 hospital position ; his monograph on the eighth pair 

 of nerves, and numerous original contributions to phy- 

 siology, made him known to Europe. As the disciple 

 of Haller, the pupil of Alison, and the promoter of new 

 work, he did right good service. His rare modesty, 

 mature judgment, and decision, were grafted upon a 



* Of this circle only live members and the writer survive ; the cheery Forhcs, 

 the "lid Goodsir, the gracious Duncan, the brothers Newbigging, along with 

 the central figure Raid, are gone. The writer may he iiermitted to say, in 



memoriam of bo dearly valued a friend as John Eteid, whose friendship and 

 private confidence he enjoyed from 1 w> to the close of his life, thai his hearty, 



modest, and genial nature, his Love of B II nee and truth, marked him as one of 

 nature's true nobility. 



VOL. 1. F 



