245 
Some eight years ago he moved to Bristol, and eventually 
bought Southey House, College Green, his intention being to 
retire from business at an early date, but circumstances were 
such that Ins fellow-directors induced liim to continue his active 
and valuable help at a somewhat difficult time. I his strenuous 
life prevented Mr. Wilson from being seen at meetings of various 
Bristol societies so frequently as a few years ago, when he some- 
times attended lectures at the University and meetings or excur- 
sions of the Naturalists’ Society and Field Club. He was one of 
the founders of the Bristol Field Club, and the first assistant 
secretary. 
Particularly interested in botany, microscopy, and gardening, 
he was elected F.L.S. last year. In Birmingham he had shown 
the same keen interest in natural history, geology, and topo- 
graphical matters. Meeting him first at a course of botany lee- 
lures at the University of Bristol, it gradually became evident that 
Wilson was a man of outstanding intellect, clear exposition, and 
seeking every avenue to truth. He had travelled over the world, 
taught himself French and German, and was a great lover of 
books and all things beautiful. 
Tlu ugh his father was Assistant in the Department of 
Humanity at the University of Edinburgh Edward was practically 
self-educated, for he had the misfortune to lose both parents when 
about thirteen years of age. As a man he was a great example of 
unselfishness, devotion to hard work, extreme modesty, steadfast- 
ness of purpose, wide sympathies, spontaneous hospitality, and 
generosity in helping many a worthy cause with both time and 
money. Above all he will be remembered as a diligent seeker 
after truth— in both biological and mechanical science, in religion, 
in politics— and for his little acts of kindness. For deceit and 
sham, and all unfairness, especially in the world of commerce, 
for “high-brow” ways and “superior” persons he had a supreme 
contempt. 
Formerly a Conservative and Anglican Churchman, his views 
became less and less circumscribed, so that latterly we saw him 
founding and acting as hon. secretarj'’ of the Laymen’s League, 
and supporting generally the Unitarian body, and Lewin’s Mead 
Church in particular. His letters are models of concise and yet 
adequate expression, and often indicate his characteristic modesty 
and love of justice, and his ever willingness to help those less 
fortunately placed or those equally anxious to find the light. — 
H. S. T. 
