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Tor his services in instituting this diploma, a handsome service of 
silver plate was presented to him. He was the representative of 
the College of Physicians at the General Council of Medical 
Education, and at the Infirmary Board. The General Council, 
Edinburgh University, elected him their assessor at the University 
Court. 
He was also for several years medical officer of the Scottish 
Equitable Life Assurance Society. In acknowledging his services 
in this capacity, the Directors stated in their minutes — “ that his 
perfect mastery of his profession, and the sound judgment which 
characterised his opinions were so conspicuous, that the Board 
placed the most perfect confidence in his advice, and are certain 
that it has been of the utmost value to the Society.” 
Dr Haldane chiefly devoted himself to the teaching and con- 
sulting departments of his profession. His contributions to the 
science of medicine were mainly of the nature of occasional practical 
papers, read before various professional bodies and associations, and 
constituted in not a few cases interesting additions to our know- 
ledge of diseases of the heart, the nervous system, and alimentary 
canal. Eor a number of years he edited the Edinburgh Medical 
Journal with ability and success. 
His life was destined to be cut short unexpectedly. On the 
Christmas day of 1886, when leaving his house, his foot slipped, 
and in falling he broke the lower part of his right leg. Com- 
plications, leading to a complete collapse of his system, followed on 
this injury, and he died on the 12th of April 1886. 
The death of a physician so eminent and so widely known and 
appreciated, was the occasion of much regret both to the profession 
and the public of Edinburgh ; and the more so as in private life 
he was distinguished by the gentleness and courtesy of his manners, 
his straightforwardness and high sense of honour. His funeral was 
attended by the Presidents and Fellows of the Royal Colleges of 
Physicians and Surgeons, and by a large assemblage of the general 
public. He was elected a Fellow of this Society in 1867. 
