xxxii Proceedings of Boyal Society of Edinburgh % 
modation, and he gave precision to the optical methods for ascer- 
taining and estimating anomalies of refraction. In all of these 
researches he not only showed himself to he an able mathematician 
and physicist, but he enlisted the interest of the medical profession 
at large by the careful clinical records given of individual cases 
suffering from anomalies of vision, and by the ingenuity and 
efficiency of the means devised for their relief. Donders also 
contributed papers on Physiological Time in Psychical Processes, the 
Nature of Vowel-Tones, Speech, and the Cardiac Sounds. All his 
writings are characterised by exactitude of statement, facility in 
illustration, and graceful diction. The subject is always treated 
with the hand of a master. Of commanding stature, a dignified 
presence, a large Apollo-like head with a luxuriant wealth of hair, 
dark somewhat rugged features, and eyes that sparkled with the 
lustre of genius, Donders was a man whose personality is not likely 
soon to fade from the memory. Eminent among physiologists, chief 
among oculists, a great teacher, and a good citizen, his life-work is 
thus summed up by his friend Moleschott: — “Of him it would be 
difficult to pronounce whether he was greater or more prolific as an 
investigator, or clearer or more effective as an expositor, or, lastly, 
more duteous and helpful as a healer of that organ which is the 
portal of wisdom and love.” 
Rev. James Grant, D.D., D.C.L. Oxon. By A. Beatson Bell, 
Esq., Advocate. 
(Read January 5, 1891.) 
James Grant was the third son of the Rev. Dr Andrew Grant, 
proprietor of the estate of Limepotts, in the county of Perth, and 
minister successively of Portmoak, Kilmarnock, Canongate, Trinity 
College, and St Andrews, Edinburgh, Dean of the Chapel Royal, 
and Chaplain in Ordinary to George III., George IV., and 
"William IV. 
He -was born in the manse of Portmoak, Kinross-shire, on 23rd 
January 1800, and when James was quite a child, his father was 
translated to Kilmarnock. He there received the elements of his 
education, and on his father’s subsequent translation to Edinburgh 
