236 TESTIMONIAL TO MR. ASSIST. -PROFESSOR VARNELL. 
these can but tend very much to sweeten labour, and to lighten 
the load which in times past I have felt to press rather 
heavily upon me. 
Gentlemen, when I first entered on the duties of Demon- 
strator of Anatomy in this Institution, under Professor 
Spooner, and which appointment, I am proud to say, I con- 
tinue to hold, in addition to that of Assistant-Professor, I little 
thought of being rewarded as I have been by the pupils of the 
College. It was intended at that time that I should assist the 
students in their dissections, and this in the dissecting-room 
only. At the commencement, however, of the second Session, 
Professor Spooner thought it would be ofgreater advantage to 
the class if special demonstrations on anatomy were given at 
an appointed hour in the Lecture Theatre, than to continue, 
as my predecessor in office had, these explanations in the 
dissecting-room. The change was agreeable to me, because 
I saw that it would prove more convenient to us all. At 
the latter part of my second Session as Demonstrator, the 
pupils presented me with a gold watch as a testimonial of 
their regard and esteem for the exertions I had used in their 
behalf. This present has been my daily companion ever 
since, and I trust it always will be. When it was presented, 
I promised to be as punctual to my duties as the watch was 
true to time. The watch has done its duty, but how far I 
have kept my promise it is not forme, but for others, to say. 
I have at least always endeavoured to be as punctual as pos- 
sible, believing “ that time is the stuff that life is made of,” 
Your chairman has alluded to my labours on several occa- 
sions in his speech, and I can but know that he has very 
much overrated my merits, if, indeed, I really possess any. 
Should I, however, have been instrumental in affording to you 
even half the benefits he speaks of, then I can but feel that I 
am the more over-rewarded by the honour you have this day 
conferred upon me. 1 certainly do claim the credit of being 
as punctual as most people to the appointed time of duty ; 
but if, in the course of life, you meet with others not so 
punctual, do not hastily blame them. All are not blessed 
with the same uniform good state of health that I have 
had, and, without health, man is unfitted for mental 
labour, nor can he always be at his post although most 
anxious to fulfil to the letter all which he has engaged to do. 
In the Session 1850-1, further honours awaited me, for I 
■was then presented with a second testimonial. On that occa- 
sion a first-rate microscope was selected as the present. 1 was 
pleased with the choice of the class, because it harmonised 
with my wishes and tastes, and afforded me an opportunity 
