PATRICK RUSSELL, M.D. 
XV 
The reputation of Dr. Russell in the literary and scientific world has been established 
by the various publications which have been mentioned. In zeal for the advancement of 
natural knowledge he could not be surpassed. While he paid due attention to the descrip¬ 
tion and nomenclature of plants and of animals, he never failed to attend also to their 
peculiar habits, and to the useful purposes, if any, to which they might be applied. The 
discrimination of noxious from harmless serpents, was a service done, not merely to 
science in general, but to every individual who has occasion to visit tropical climates. 
Dr. Russell’s writings are remarkable for perspicuity of style, and unaffected simplicity. 
His unassuming manner of expressing himself, serves only to engage the reader to rely 
more implicitly on what he says, and convince him of his scrupulous integrity. 
In private life he was a most affectionate relative ; and many still alive can testify the 
warmth and zeal of his friendship. He was a lively and agreeable companion, gentle in 
his manners, and liberal in his ideas ; close in argument, and occasionally strong in cen¬ 
sure. In his person he was rather above the middle stature, with a very expressive coun¬ 
tenance, and an uncommonly penetrating eye.* In his address he was polite ; and in his 
ordinary conversation he displayed a pleasant vivacity. He was remarkable for cheer¬ 
fulness of temper; and this happy disposition continued to the last, although a defect in 
hearing had unluckily for some years encreased so much as to deprive him in a great 
measure of the enjoyment of society. Many of his familiar letters written from abroad, 
and in possession of his relations in Scotland, are highly interesting and amusing: they 
are pictures of his conversation ; often exhibiting a lively imagination, with a witty play¬ 
fulness of thought and expression. 
Since Dr. Russell’s death, the third fasciculus of the second volume on Indian Serpents 
has been published (1807) from manuscripts prepared for the press by himself. The 
fourth fasciculus, which completes the second volume, derived chiefly from the same 
source, is now presented to the public. 
November , 1809. 
• The Portrait which accompanies this account, is taken from a picture by Mr. Vartlet of Bath, when the Doctor was 
in his 55th year, and now in the possession of his brother, Mr. Claud Russell. 
