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of Edinburgh , Session 1871 - 72 . 
from the severity of professional toil. This was geology, which in 
the end captivated him, and first made him an active, energetic 
member of this Society. Cultivating his new pursuit with his 
inherent fervour unabated, he soon became an original inquirer in 
this fascinating branch of natural science. Besides making him¬ 
self acquainted with the rock structure of many parts of bis own 
country, he visited as a geologist Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, 
Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and parts of Canada and the United 
States. Few geological amateurs, engaged in a profession usually 
so engrossing as that of Robert Chambers, have acquired such 
intimate knowledge of geology. Many of us can recall the interest 
of his discussion of geological questions at our ordinary meetings; 
and his “Ancient Sea Margins ” will long be known as one of the 
earliest, most exact, and most lively descriptions of that particular 
branch of his favourite study. 
Mr Chambers was distinguished, alike in his public appearances, 
as in social intercourse, by a great fund of information on most 
diversified topics of interest in literature and science, by his 
caution and politeness in criticism, and by his courteous kindliness 
in every relation of life. In the last respect he will be long missed 
by a numerous circle of attached friends, many of whom were his 
fellow-members of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. In March 
1871, after a tedious and enfeebling illness, borne with singular 
patience, he died in the 69th year of his age. 
I turn next to another no less serious loss sustained during the 
past year by science and this Society in the death of Mr Alexander 
Keith Johnston. Mr Keith Johnston at first intended to join the 
medical profession; but, at an early age, he betook himself to the 
art of engraving, which again led him to the study of geography; 
and from that time geography became his ruling pursuit, and the 
object of his professional life. 
In 1830, having had occasion, during a pedestrian trip in the 
Highlands, to remark the inaccuracy of the maps of Scotland, he 
published an improved collection in a Guide Book. At the same 
time, to facilitate the development of his geographical enterprises, 
he joined the firm of his two brothers, Sir William and Thomas 
Johnston, which had been established in this city some years 
