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tributed to that Society many papers of permanent interest in the 
course of the next sixteen years. 
From January to 20th April 1855, Rankine lectured for Pro- 
fessor G-ordon at Glasgow College, on “ Applied Mechanics ” and 
the “ Application of Thermodynamics to the Theory of the Steam- 
Engine.” These lectures were of so high a character of usefulness, 
and delivered in so masterly a manner, that steps were imme- 
diately taken to get Rankine appointed to the professorship on the 
resignation of Mr Gordon. The Queen’s commission appointing 
him Regius Professor of Civil Engineering and Mechanics was 
dated November 7, 1855. 
On the 3rd of January 1856 he delivered his introductory lecture 
11 On the Harmony of Theory and Practice in Mechanics,” an 
essay full of practical wisdom. In November 1856 the introduc- 
tory lecture “ On the Science of the Engineer,” was delivered, and 
concludes thus : — c: Let the young engineer then be convinced that 
the profession which he studies is not a mere profitable business, 
but a liberal and a noble art, tending towards great and good ends, 
and that to strive to the utmost to perfect himself in that art, and 
in the sciences on which it depends, is not merely a matter of 
inclination or of policy, but a sacred duty.” 
Rankine’s whole career as a professor exemplified this view of 
the profession of an engineer. Ey efforts, which to ordinary men 
seem altogether impossible, he published in rapid succession four 
manuals of a Mechanical and Engineering Science and Practice,” 
on the best models for arrangement, but original in the treatment 
of many subjects, — always lucid in definition and demonstration, 
and replete with applications to examples of the practice of experi- 
enced men in all departments. 
The students of engineering during the previous existence of the 
Professorship had gradually awakened to the necessity of acquiring 
some preliminary scientific instruction, and Rankine’s style of 
teaching at once incited them to far higher efforts. It is unques- 
tionable that his scientific works generally, and his manuals of 
applied science especially, have done more to break down the long 
persistent fallacy of a discrepancy between rational and applied 
mechanics, between theory and practice in engineering, than any 
previous publications whatever, and the influence of his systematic 
