270 Proceedings of the Royal Society 
reckoned by good deeds and great services, not the least of which 
was the example he bequeathed of a man devoted to noble pur- 
suits, characterised by incessant industry, imbued with benevolent 
dispositions, animated by Christian faith. In the letter already 
referred to, written on his death-bed, for the American Journal, 
he concluded it by saying, that he regarded the friendship of his 
medical brethren in America so highly, that he would not think 
this last effort at professional writing, altogether useless, if it tended 
to fix his memory in their love and esteem. It was to friends abroad, 
that this appeal was made. To friends at home, no such appeal 
was required. He knew that he had accomplished, what would for 
ever fix his memory in their love and esteem. To that sentiment, 
sure I am that his own countrymen and countrywomen cordially 
respond ; and not less sure am I that the Fellows of this Society 
will ever remember with respect the eminent and diversified talents, 
as well as the signal services to science and humanity, of their 
distinguished associate. 
James Syme was born 7th November 1799, and died 26th June 
1870. Up to within a year of bis death, he was Professor of Clinical 
Surgery in the University of Edinburgh, which chair he had held 
for thirty- six years. His father had originally followed the pro- 
fession of a Writer to the Signet, but had retired at an early period 
with his family to the estate of Gfartmore and Lochore in Fife. 
It is understood that, in consequence of there being no public 
school in the country which he could conveniently attend, Mr Syme 
obtained a tutor for his son whilst resident in Fife, so that he had 
in his early days no opportunity of associating with other boys, — 
a circumstance which may perhaps account for his shy and re- 
served manner in after life. Whilst a boy, it is said that he indi- 
cated a taste for anatomy, by frequently resorting to a butcher’s 
shop, where he watched with interest the cutting up of sheep 
and oxen. His father at length seeing the necessity of giving 
to his son a better education and training than he was receiving 
in the country, sent him to Edinburgh to attend the High School. 
Afterwards, at the age of sixteen, he passed to the College, and 
became much interested in chemistry. When he returned during 
the holidays to Fife, he generally brought with him a supply of 
