267 
of Edinburgh, Session 1870 - 71 . 
under the Professor’s care. She was obliged to explain to him the 
cause of her abrupt departure, and to ask him to wait for payment 
of his services till she returned home. He not only intimated 
to her that he would accept no fee, but gave her in a present 
enough to pay her passage to New York. 
His kindness was not confined to his patients. From persons 
who were entire strangers to him, and who were merely passing 
through Edinburgh, hospitality was never withheld. His breakfast 
and luncheon table was often crowded by foreigners, who, knowing 
the Professor no otherwise than by his world-wide reputation, and 
being told that he was extremely accessible, used to send in their 
cards, and received from him a cordial welcome. 
Professor Simpson, in the spirit of true philanthropy, took much 
interest in the welfare of that wretched part of the population of 
Edinburgh occupying cellars, and frequenting haunts of vice in 
the Old Town. Many a time did he visit them at night, after his 
day duties were over. Moreover, he tried to interest others in 
their behalf, forming for that purpose, at his own house, parties of 
gentlemen and even ladies to accompany him. But the practice 
gave offence, and was discontinued. 
Professor Simpson was imbued with strong religious feelings. 
Most persons here will probably remember how, in narrating the 
conversation which he had with Sir David Brewster on his death¬ 
bed, he was evidently pleased to be able to testify to the Christian 
faith of the dying philosopher. Simpson both lived and died a 
Christian ; not only holding fast his trust in the Saviour, but desir¬ 
ing to impart the same comfort to others His name may there¬ 
fore well be added to those of Faraday and Brewster, who in our 
own day have shown that the highest attainments in philosophy 
and science, are not incompatible with strong religious feeling and 
the sincere faith of a Christian. 
Professor Simpson was so remarkable in his outward appearance 
and expression, that any one, even happening to meet him in the 
street, could not fail to take special notice of him. Though short 
in stature, he had large features, and a shaggy head of unkempt 
hair. His eye was piercing, and his lips expressive. The energy 
of his physical constitution was wonderful, and he taxed it severely. 
Thus, after going to Oxford, to receive a University distinction, 
