Page:A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen, vol 7.djvu/131

Rh versation was remarkably animated, enriched with much anecdote, and enlivened also by a certain degree of natural humour; even the slight fits of absence to which he was sometimes liable, contributed to the amusement of those around him, without in the slightest degree diminishing their affection and reverence, which his noble qualities were calculated to inspire. At a tavern in the neighbourhood of his college, he established a club, the members of which were, for the most part, selected by himself. They met once a-week (Friday); and the first part of the evening was devoted to the game of whist, of which Dr Simson was particularly fond ; but, though he took some pains in estimating chances, it was remarked that he was by no means fortunate in his play. The rest of the evening was spent in social conversation ; and, as he had naturally a good taste for music, he did not scruple to amuse his company with a song: and, it is said, he was rather fond of singing some Greek odes, to which modern music had been adapted. On Satui-days, he usually dined at the village of Anderston, then about a mile distant from Glasgow, with some of the members of his regular club, and with other respectable visitors, who wished to cultivate the acquaintance, and enjoy the society of so eminent a person. In the progress of time, from his age and high character, the company respectfully wished that every thing in these meetings should be directed by him; and although his authority was somewhat absolute, yet the good humour and urbanity with which it was administered, rendered it pleasing to every body. He had his own chair and particular place at the table; he ordered the entertainment; adjusted the expense, and regulated the time for breaking up. These happy parties, in the years of his severe application to study, were useful relaxations to his mind, and they continued to amuse him till within a few months of his death. A mind so richly endowed by nature and education, and a life of strict integrity and pure moral worth, gave a correspondent dignity to his character, that even in the gayest hours of social intercourse, the doctor's presence was a sufficient guarantee for attention and decorum. He had serious and just impressions of religion ; but he was uniformly reserved in expressing particular opinions about it: he never introduced that solemn subject in mixed society ; and all attempts to do so in his clubs, were checked with gravity and decision. His personal appearance was highly prepossessing; tall and erect in his carriage, with a countenance decidedly handsome, and conveying a pleasing expression of the superior character of his mind. His manner was somewhat tinged with the fashion which prevailed in the early part of his life, but was exceedingly graceful He enjoyed a uniform state of good health, and was only severely indisposed for a few weeks before his death, which took place on the 1st of October, 1768, in his eighty-first year. He bequeathed a small paternal estate in Ayrshire to the eldest son of his next brother, probably his brother Thomas, who was professor of medicine in the university of St Andrews, and who was known by some works of reputation.

"The writings and publications of Dr Robert Simson, were almost exclusively of the pure geometrical kind, after the genuine manner of the ancients; but from his liberal education, he acquired a considerable knowledge of other sciences, which he preserved through life, from occasional study, and a constant intercourse with some of the most learned men of the age. In the Latin prefaces prefixed to his works, in which there are some history and discussion, the purity of the language has been generally approved." And many scholars have regretted that he had not an opportunity, while in the full vigour of his intellect, and deeply conversant in Greek and mathematical learning, to favour the world with an edition of Pappus in the original language. He has only two pieces printed in the volumes of the Philosophical Transactions, viz.;—1. Two