xvi 



Molecular Physics. The Reviews in " Nature " were criticisms of 

 important memoirs or treatises on subjects in which he was interested. 



In the whole series of these writings we find the same clear and 

 graceful delineation of principles, the same beauty in arrangement of 

 subject, the same force and precision in proofs and illustrations. The 

 style is simple and singularly free from any kind of haze or obscurity, 

 rising to a strain of subdued eloquence whenever the emotional aspects 

 of the subject overcome the purely speculative. In the memoirs and 

 the treatises we find a like clearness in the statement of principles 

 combined with the use of an analysis at once direct and forcible, 

 though perhaps unnecessarily condensed. It is seldom that the 

 faculties of invention and exposition, the attachment to physical 

 science and capability of developing it mathematically, have been 

 found existing in one mind to the same degree. It would, however, 

 require powers somewhat akin to Maxwell's own to describe the more 

 delicate features of the works resulting from this combination, every 

 one of which is stamped with the subtle but unmistakeable impress of 

 genius. 



Dr. John Jeremiah Bigsby was born at Nottingham on the 14th 

 August, 1792. He was the eldest son of Dr. Bigsby, who practised 

 for many years at Nottingham ; and, as he was destined for the medical 

 profession, ibe was sent first to St. Andrew's and afterwards to Edin- 

 burgh University to pursue his medical studies. 



In 1814, he received the degree of Doctor in Medicine from the 

 University of Edinburgh ; and, with the object of acquiring a practical 

 knowledge of his profession, he obtained in the same year the appoint- 

 ment of resident physician (or physician's clerk as it was then named) 

 in the Edinburgh Infirmary, the duties of which ofiice he discharged 

 with great assiduity, while from his amiable disposition, and the 

 interest he took in his work, he won the esteem of everyone with 

 whom he became associated. 



After the practical experience he had gained in the infirmary he 

 entered the medical department of the army in 1816, and was em- 

 ployed for some years in various parts of Canada, which not only 

 gave him the opportunity of improving his knowledge as a military 

 practitioner but fostered a growing taste for geological pursuits, which 

 latter was subsequently greatly strengthened by visiting various parts 

 of the United States, including New York, Washington, and Phila- 

 delphia. His reputation as a geologist led to his being appointed, 

 in 1822, Secretary and Medical Officer to the Boundary Commission 

 which had been in operation for a few years. 



Dr. Bigsby left the army in 1823, and settled in Newark-on- Trent, 

 where he practised his profession as a consulting physician for a period 

 of more than twenty years, and having acquired, partly by marriage, 



