25 
of Edinburgh^ Session 1869 - 70 . 
could break forth and sparkle into its natural gleams, and a heart 
as warm as ever beat in human bosom. 
Dr Muir was an accomplished scholar, and all along kept himself 
abreast of the literature and science of the day. He was well read 
in the classics, and had a more than usual acquaintance with the 
literature of his own profession. Suffering for a year or two before 
his death under nearly total blindness, he had a reader always with 
him, to read to him his favourite authors, not in English merely’ 
but in Latin and Crreek, and even Hebrew. 
Dr Frederick Penney, Professor of Chemistry in Anderson’s 
Institution, Glasgow, was born in London in 1817. He was 
brought up as a professional chemist, having early shown a predi¬ 
lection for that branch of science. He studied under Mr Hennel of 
London; and it has been stated that he was present when his 
instructor was killed, while conducting some experiments, by an 
explosion of fulminating powder. Dr Penney recommended him¬ 
self very early by important experiments and communications on 
chemical subjects; and in 1839, while only twenty-two years of 
age, when the Chair of Chemistry, which he ultimately held, 
became vacant, he was recommended for the office by the late 
Professor G-raham, and unanimously appointed by the patrons. Dr 
Penney was a man of great talent, quickness, and intelligence, and 
an excellent chemist, both theoretical and practical. As a chemical 
analyst, he enjoyed a high reputation for his fidelity and accuracy, 
and, I should suppose, must have derived a considerable income 
from that source. In one department, that of a scientific witness, 
I can bear personal testimony to his ability and excellence. His 
evidence in the witness-box was always clear, ready, explicit, and 
consistent; and he had one qualification essential to every good 
scientific witness, but which is certainly not possessed by all who 
place themselves in that position,—he underwent the operation of 
cross-examination with perfect composure and good temper, and 
showed himself as ready to speak to any fact that seemed to bear 
against the side adducing him as he had been to give evidence 
in its favour. This demeanour, which every scientific witness 
should at least assume, made his testimony very influential and 
valuable. In his private relations, Dr Penney appears to have 
VOL. VII. 
D 
