In 1793, Abernethy, by his writings and his lectures, seems to have created a general impression that he was a man of no ordinary talent. His papers on Animal Matter, and still more his Essay on the functions of the Skin and Lungs, had shown that he was no longer to be regarded merely in the light of a rising surgeon, but as one laying claim to the additional distinction of a philosophical physiologist. The subject (of the skin and lungs) had engaged the attention of Böerhaave a long time before; Cruikshank also, and other very able men, had followed in the same wake of investigation; therefore there was an opportunity of that test which comparison alone affords. Abernethy was, in fact, regarded at this time more in the light of a rising man, than merely a promising surgeon. He now moved from St. Mary Axe (as I am informed), and took a house in St. Mildred's Court, in the Poultry. Sir Charles Blicke had moved to Billiter Square. I find, by the rate-books, which Mr. B. L. Jones was so good as to inspect for me, that this was in April, 1793. He could hardly fail at this time to have had a very acceptable portion of practice, although we apprehend it was not as yet extensive. His reputation was, however, fast increasing, which the attention paid to his opinion at the hospital at this time must have materially accelerated. Certainly not later than 1795, there were very few cases of doubt or difficulty, in which (independently of that participation in the consultation at the hospital common to all the medical officers) there was not especial value and influence attached to his opinion; and I have heard a pupil of that day assert, that in cases of real doubt and difficulty, there was nothing more beautiful in itself, nor more characteristic of Abernethy, than the masterly way in which he would analyze a case, bring the practical points before his colleagues, and at the same time suggest the course he preferred. As, from his other occupations, it would often happen that some consultation might be pending whilst he was engaged at the theatre or in the museum, it would often happen that a consultation would terminate for the time by some one observing: "Well, we will see what Mr. Abernethy says on the subject." In 1796, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, his old preceptor, Sir William Blizard, being one of those who signed the proposal for his election. He only contributed one paper after this to the "Philosophical Transactions." After his death, the Duke of Sussex pronounced a very well-deserved eulogium, of which a copy will be found in another part of this volume. He had not been idle, however; but, in 1797, published the third part of the "Physiological Essays," which we will consider in the next place. CHAPTER X. HIS PAPER ON INJURIES OF THE HEAD. "Utiliumque sagax rerum." HOR. In estimating the practical penetration and clear judgment of Abernethy, it was almost necessary to see him placed by the side of other men.