
MEMOIR OF THE LATE DR THOMAS CHARLES HOPE. 427 
resigned to his younger brethren the duties of the Infirmary, and of Clinical 
instruction. 
Dr Hore is the author of a decided improvement on the Eudiometer of 
ScHEELE, which, by permitting the convenient agitation of the included air with 
the liquid that absorbs the oxygen, expedites and simplifies that process; and 
is described in most elementary works on Chemistry.—(See Nicholson’s Journal, 
mol. VI.) 
The establishment of Mechanics’ Institutions, or Schools of Art for the 
instruction of the humbler classes, gave to that rank of society means of acquiring 
information beyond that usually obtained by many of the wealthier classes; and, 
in the opinion of some, diminished the respect of mechanics for individuals less 
knowing than themselves. The system of courses of popular lectures on scientific 
subjects for hoth sexes, which had prevailed for many years in various parts of 
England, was comparatively little practised in Scotland, when Dr Hore delivered, 
in the spring of 1826, a short course of chemical lectures to Ladies and Gentle- 
men. His vast lecture-room was crowded with what he described to me as 
a ‘“‘most brilliant audience ;” and his example was soon followed by more than 
one of his colleagues in the University, and by several of the eminent men who 
then taught different branches of natural science in their private establishments ; 
undoubtedly with no small benefit to the rising generation, and the more general 
diffusion, among all ranks, of interesting subjects of contemplation, and of con- 
versation. Even admitting that the knowledge thus diffused is not deep, it has 
imparted to social intercourse, a vigour and variety that contrasts favourably with 
the former insipidities and frivolities of fashionable society. 
Dr Hors had always endeavoured to impress his pupils with the importance 
of Practical Chemistry, and introduced into the University classes for the cultiva- 
tion of that branch of study; but, from increasing years, and love of ease, this 
department he soon almost wholly abandoned to his assistants. 
In 1828, to encourage the study of chemistry among the students in the 
University, particularly in the practical department, he instituted a chemical 
prize ; and, for this purpose, presented to the Senatus Academicus a sum of £800, 
as a fund, the interest of which should, annually or triennially, be given as a 
prize to the author of the best essay on a given chemical subject, illustrated by 
experiment. It should be observed, that money thus liberally bestowed, was the 
sum which Dr Hore had received for his popular lectures on chemistry, which he 
appears from the beginning to have destined for this purpose. 
For many years Dr Hore appears to have abandoned the pursuit of original 
research, with which he had so auspiciously commenced his chemical career, and 
to have confined his efforts to the improvement of his lectures, and the devising 
of striking experimental illustrations. 
I find no original paper of his, from the publication of his investigations on 
VOL. XVI. PART IV. 5Q 
