This graceful exordium, so appropriate to the mutual relations of Mr. Abernethy and Mr. Lawrence, deriving, too, a peculiar interest from the circumstances under which it was delivered, had also the rare merit of an eulogium marked by a comprehensive fidelity. There is nothing fulsome or overstrained. Mr. Abernethy's well-known excellences were touchingly adverted to as matters with which all were _in common_ familiar, whilst the necessarily more special facts of his social virtues were judiciously brought out in just relief, and as an appropriate climax, by one who appeared animated by a grateful and personal experience of them. It is distressing to think that anything should have followed otherwise than in harmony with that kindness and benevolence which, whilst it forms the most auspicious tone for the calm pursuits of philosophy, confers on them the purifying spirit of practical Christianity. Mr. Lawrence's first lecture consisted mainly of an able and interesting _exposé_ of the objects and advantages of Comparative Anatomy to the physiologist, pathologist, medical man, and the theologian; together with numerous references to those authors to whom the science was most indebted. The second lecture was devoted to the consideration and the discussion of various views which had been entertained of the living principle, or by whatever name we may designate that force which is the immediate cause of the phenomena of Living Bodies. Amongst others, those entertained by Mr. Hunter and advocated by Mr. Abernethy were referred to; but in a tone which was not, perhaps, best suited to promote calm discussion, and which we may be allowed to say was unfortunate—a tone of ridicule and banter, which was hardly suited either to the subject, the place, or the distinguished men to whom it related; to say the least of it, it was unnecessary. We do not quote these passages, because they are, we think, not necessary to the narrative, and could, we think, now give no pleasure to any party[39]. In Mr. Abernethy's next lecture at the College, he still advocated the rational nature of Mr. Hunter's views of Life; and, in a most interesting exposition of the Gallery of the Museum, opposed at every opportunity the views of certain French physiologists which Mr. Lawrence had adopted. He did this, however, without naming Mr. Lawrence; and applied his remarks to the whole of those who had advocated the opinions that Life was the result of organization, as a "Band of modern sceptics."