MEMOIR OF DR. WALKER. 
45 
lie body. In the professorship I am soon to under- 
take, I have foreseen many difficulties which I yet 
hope to surmount ; but this indeed would be a new 
discouragement which I did not expect. W ere I to 
fail in my attempt, and be found incapable of teach- 
ing the science to the satisfaction of the public, the 
field would then be open, and I could have nothing 
to object. But till that happen, I certainly have 
some claim to be treated with equity and candour, 
I may say, too, with humanity, by those who think 
themselves concerned. 
“ By engaging in that office, I run the risk per- 
haps of some character, but certainly of having my 
income diminished, in serving the public ; which at 
my time of life is no very agreeable prospect, and 
renders me more dependent than ever I have yet 
been upon the support of my friends. 
“ If your lordship will allow me to number you 
among these, I would beg your attention to what I 
have now stated, which could not indeed so readily 
occur to your lordship as to one whose reputation 
and interest is at stake. 
“ I shall be happy to receive your favourable 
answer, and am, in the mean time, with my best 
compliments to Lady Buchan, 
Your Lordship’s, &c. 
John 'VV'alker.' 
Mr. Smellie instantly and frankly renounced all 
idea of rivalry ; he wished merely to pursue the 
same course which he had projected along with 
