256 Proceedings of the Roycd Society 
book, in which he pointed out to her the part where she would 
find her ailment described. He asked her to read it whilst 
he went to another patient, promising to come back in a few 
minutes. Having read the passages, and waited patiently an 
hour, she rang the bell to inquire for the Professor, and found he 
had left the house, having forgotten his promise to return. 
Professor Simpson was untidy in his dress, and on one occasion 
much offended a lady of rank who called on him at his house, *by 
coming to see her in his u stocking soles.” Frequent complaints 
were made by patients, as to his want of punctuality in returning 
to visit them. One lady, having been desired by him to remain in 
bed till he returned again in a day or two, remained ten days in 
bed, waiting for his return. He had been called to the country, 
and had forgotten this town patient altogether. 
It w r as indeed not to be wondered at that, with such multitudes 
of objects engrossing his thoughts, he should be occasionally dis- 
tracted and diverted from his professional engagements. Never- 
theless, so great was the confidence reposed in his skill, that these 
breaches seldom caused patients to forsake him. Traps were 
often laid to catch him for attendance, or a consultation. With 
that view persons went to his house to breakfast though unin- 
vited, and they were always graciously received. Sometimes when 
they saw his carriage standing at a door, they used to get into it 
and wait till the Professor came out from his visit. 
It has been estimated, by those who had means of knowing the 
extent of Simpson’s practice, that the number of strangers who 
came to Edinburgh for his advice and treatment, must have caused 
an expenditure of at least £80,000 a-year among the hotel and 
lodging-house keepers. 
It is obvious that, on account of Professor Simpson’s extensive 
practice, the instruction which he was capable of giving must 
have been most valuable. Nor was it only in the class-room and 
to students, that instruction was given by him. He was ever 
accessible to his professional brethren, and particularly to country 
oractitioners, when they were at a loss in cases of difficulty. One 
of this last class,* who frequently resorted to him, having been 
* Dr Turnbull of Coldstream. He has allowed me to quote from his letter. 
