70 GOODSIRS PERSONALITY. 



Wilson, but lie looked to Brown as the coming man of 

 the new chemical philosophy. 



Goodsir had a strong will and a disciplined mind, 

 and no small share of ambition, and the cue to its pro- 

 motion was within the circle of friends just described ; 

 there were other attached companions, of whom it is 

 not necessary to speak in this general narrative. 



His personality may be glanced at here, as he is 

 shaping his plans within doors and busy preparing for the 

 display of his best energies in a field largely competitive 

 and exciting. He was now (1840) in the strength of 

 his adolescence, and presented a tall, gaunt frame, 

 whose height (75 inches) towered above all his friends. 

 There was a grave if not sombre tone in his looks, 

 increased by his brown hair combed downwards over 

 his capacious forehead, his stooping shoulders, and down- 

 cast visage. His face, however viewed, was striking 

 from its size ; his prominent nose, deep and thoughtful 

 eyes, large mouth and chin, and general expression, 

 showed power, calmness, and perseverance. Walking 

 along the street, he seemed entirely absorbed with his 

 own thoughts, as if not living among the men of the 

 world, but in a world of his own making. Yet there 

 was an emphatic pronunciation of feeling in every- 

 thing he did, and a manly consciousness of individu- 

 ality; and in all his mental manifestations, an 

 organized distinctness of feature or plan. If not al- 

 ways lucid in statement or bright in expression, he had 

 nevertheless a thorough knowledge of his aim and 

 work. In public societies he sat more like patience 



