In his early years Dr. Bright’s practice was not very extensive. He was disinclined to use any adventitious aids to popular reputation, and was content to pursue his tireless investigations. His publications on renal disease gradually attracted general attention, and the profession found him a most reliable and valuable consultant, so that in his later years he commanded a first-class practice. A few years before his death he resigned his post at Guy’s Hospital, and was made Honorary Consulting Physician. He died on the 11th December 1858, from the consequences of extensive and long-standing ossification of the aortic valves of the heart, the exit for the blood being reduced to a mere chink. He had long suffered very considerably, but was never thoroughly examined in life. However, he believed considerably in the value of medicine, and took large quantities of some kinds. He was buried at Kensal Green. Bright is described as having had “a remarkably even temper and cheerful disposition: he was most considerate towards the failings of others, but severe in the discipline of his own mind. He was sincerely religious, both in doctrine and practice, and of so pure a mind that he never was heard to utter a sentiment or to relate an anecdote that was not fit to be heard by the merest child or the most refined female. He was an affectionate husband and an excellent father, not only taking the most lively interest in the welfare of his children, and in their pursuits, but never so happy as when he had them around him; so that half the pleasure of the long vacation was lost, unless he had as many members of his family as possible for his companions.” He married, first, the third daughter of Dr. Babington, senior; and secondly a sister of Sir William Follett, by whom he left surviving three sons, one being Dr. Bright of Cannes, and another the Rev. James Franck Bright, the well-known historian, and Master of University College, Oxford. It is said of Bright that he was perhaps better known abroad than any other British physician of his time. The confidence reposed in him by his professional brethren was dependent largely upon the minute attention he bestowed upon every case. He always took careful notes, and often made drawings, being a good draughtsman and rather a connoisseur in etchings and engravings. FOOTNOTES: [1] Historical Notes on Bright’s Disease, Addison’s Disease, and Hodgkin’s Disease, in Guy’s Hospital Reports, 3d series, vol. xxii. CHAPTER XII. _LISTON, SYME, LIZARS, AND THE NEWER SURGERY._