xxxviii Proceedings of Royal Society of Edinburgh. 
acid, the synthesis of salicylic acid (by Kolbe and Lautemann), and 
the reduction of numerous oxy-acids by means of hydriodic acid, 
carried out by his pupils, belong to this group. In this connection 
it is right to note that it is to Kolbe that we owe our knowledge of 
the antiseptic action of salicylic acid. 
Besides numerous scientific papers, chiefly published in the Anna- 
len der Chemie und Pharmacie and in the Journal fiir praldische 
Chemie , Kolbe wrote many of the articles in the great Dictionary 
of Chemistry , of which he was editor, and a very valuable Ausfuhr- 
liches Lehrbuch der organischen Chemie. In the first and second 
volumes of this Lehrbuch (the only part written entirely by Kolbe) 
we have a very full account of his views on the constitution of the 
alcohols, acids, and their derivatives. He also published two short 
text-books, one on inorganic, and the other on organic chemistry. 
James Duncan Matthews. By Professor W. Carmichael 
MTntosh, F.B.SS. Lond. and Edin. 
(Read January 5, 1891.) 
The story of a long life, spent in the service of science, for the 
most part tells it own tale, and is more or less independent of the 
biographer; but it is different when a young worker, broken in 
health, and thus hampered in his efforts, succumbs before reaching 
middle age. 
Born in Aberdeen, Mr Matthews commenced life as an architect 
in the office of his father (ex-Lord Provost Matthews of Springhill), 
intending to follow this profession. At the age of nineteen, how- 
ever, he suffered from a severe attack of typhoid fever, which 
greatly enfeebled his constitution, and permanently injured his 
lungs. Though he made several long sea-voyages to Australia and 
America for the benefit of his health, he only partially succeeded, 
for the chest-affection continued slowly to progress. 
Though in feeble physical health, his active mind was eager for 
action, and he was led to pursue microscopical work. He then 
entered Aberdeen University, and studied various biological 
subjects — especially zoology — which was taught by Professor 
Ewart, then newly appointed, and with whom a friendship sprung 
up. Greatly interested in the subject, he resolved to devote his 
