1839-40. INTIMATE FRIENDS. 231 



The original members of this Society being speedily scattered 

 far and wide, and its members sorely thinned by death, its 

 pristine glory and vigour gradually faded. Edward Forbes, 

 through years of absence, watched over its interests with paren- 

 tal solicitude; and even so late as 1855, after his return to 

 Edinburgh, meetings were held of the brethren. In name it 

 still lives, but its Utopian aims having no essence of true life in 

 them, can only be considered as scaffolding, helpful in building 

 up wise and noble men, but to be put aside as relics of the past 

 when that end is accomplished. 



The comparative leisure of this winter permitted George to 

 cultivate the society of a few choice friends. In addition to 

 those already named as on intimate terms, there were John 

 Goodsir, George Day, now of St. Andrews, David Skae (Dr. 

 Skae, Morningside, Edinburgh), Edward Forbes, and one or two 

 more, with whom much joyous and profitable fellowship was 

 maintained. His cousin, James Bussell, was now one of Sir 

 William Hamilton's most distinguished pupils, and through his 

 introduction a valuable acquisition was gained to the circle of 

 friends. A student from the country a year or two James 

 Russell's senior, first known to him as a competitor in the 

 Humanity Class of 183 7-8- -had become his almost daily com- 

 panion ; and the introduction of John Cairns (the Eev. Dr. 

 Cairns, Berwick) to the rest of the family circle was welcomed 

 with pleasure by each of its members. In the subsequent years 

 to fall under our notice it will be seen how powerfully inter- 

 course with their common friend influenced the character of the 

 two cousins. 



In November George tells his brother that " The having a 

 winter of peaceful study is a great boon, which would atone for 

 many discomforts. And as I continue to make progress, slowly, 

 yet surely, in what I am studying, I am quite contented and 

 happy. The Introductory Discourse [that on the Desire of 

 Fame] is making the round of a few friends here of both sexes, 

 so that I cannot send it at this time, but it shall be despatched 

 very soon. Meanwhile, besides praise from many quarters, it 

 has procured me the Presidentship of the Physical Society. 

 There are four presidents ; I am the third. I was equal in 



