40 
to exclude an interpretation more in harmony with the existing 
arrangements of university teaching ; and, though the question was 
long and carefully considered by the Senatus — I myself deeming it 
my duty to support Dr. Muir’s interpretation — they found it impos- 
sible to consent to what might have proved a somewhat inconvenient 
precedent. Nevertheless, Dr. Muir continued to the last to show 
the warmest interest in the objects of the chair, by giving annual 
prizes for distinguished attainment in the several classes. He also 
offered a (still available) prize of <£100 to the first student that 
should take the degree of Doctor of Science in the department of 
Sanskrit and Comparative Philology. To his liberality the Uni- 
versity Library owes a very considerable portion of its Oriental 
and Philological books. The connection of his name with our 
University, in this respect, has been further strengthened, since 
his death, through the presentation, by Sir William Muir, of the 
large collection of Oriental and Philological books left by his 
brother. In accepting this splendid gift, the Library Committee 
resolved that this collection, together with the books previously 
presented by Dr. Muir, should be kept separate from the general 
library, under the designation of the “ Muir Collection.” Dr. Muir 
also took a prominent part in the founding, in 1868, of the Shaw 
scholarship in mental philosophy (in honour of his uncle, Sir John 
Shaw, at one time Lord Mayor of London, and a director of the 
East India Company) ; and in originating and conducting the 
Association for Promoting the Better Endowment of Edinburgh 
University, having acted for ten years as honorary secretary of 
that most useful society. Dr. Muir’s interest and liberality were not, 
however, confined to the University of Edinburgh ; but the other 
Scottish universities also, I believe, received from him numerous 
donations of books ; and to the Berlin University he presented, a 
few months before bis death, the sum of £50, to form the nucleus 
for a scholarship in Sanskrit philology. In recognition of his ser- 
vices to higher education, Dr. Muir was appointed a member of 
the last Scottish Universities Commission. To the report of the 
commissioners Dr. Muir, in accordance with his principles, added 
a note urging the consideration of the advisability of the theological 
chairs in the universities being thrown open to members of all the 
churches. 
