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142 for their best qualities, was undoubtedly increased by this actual contact with them. And although he continued to the last earnest in his desire to see the teaching of the Arts Faculty reformed, his views as to what the actual reforms ought to be, became considerably modified. Though he recognised, almost as soon as he entered on his office, the fact that it was one rather of outward dignity than of actual power, he soon learned it could be made one of great practical usefulness and influence. If he could not effect immediate reforms by the exercise of authority, he could prepare the way for more complete and matured reforms by the exercise of persuasion. He made himself thoroughly master of the multifarious business of the University. He presided over and took the most active part in all the committees into which the Senatus is divided for the conduct of business. As the one permanent member in the University Court, and as the member most conversant with the affairs of the University, he had naturally the greatest weight in its counsels. No man could have presided over the meetings of the Senatus with more tact, temper, and patience. He had an immediate perception of what was important and unimportant, relevant and irrelevant, in its discussions. His quiet sense of humour was of use to him in this position. It will happen occasionally in a body of men, the majority of whom give their minds chiefly to their special subject, that when they meet for the consideration of their common business, individuals among them will talk at random, and that members of the Arts Faculty will imagine that they know better what is good for the Medical Faculty than they do themselves, and vice versâ. On these rare occasions the Principal had apparently the power of abstracting himself from what was going on, and of appearing to wake up when there was a temporary lull in the debate, quietly remarking, "Had we not better go on to the next business." One of his greatest services to the University was the changed relation between it and the city of Edinburgh, which is to be ascribed almost entirely to his influence. There had been an old standing feud between the academic body and the civic powers in the community. There is a natural tendency for such bodies to misunderstand one another, and for each of them to exaggerate the misunderstanding. Even the virtues of the Scotch are more allied to the combative element in their composition than to the spirit of conciliation. Each party thought it a point of honour, as well as a natural gratification, to perpetuate the misunderstanding. There was nothing weak or unduly yielding in the Principal's temper. He could be combative, if necessary, and would do what was for the interest of the University, without fear or regard to favour. But his whole nature was eminently peace-loving, conciliatory, and reasonable. As a man of academic culture, and a man of the world, he could sympathise with both sides. But he saw that it was not only the interest but the duty of the University that this misunderstanding should cease. He made himself the medium of uniting the academic body with all classes of the community; and the completion of the new buildings is a standing monument of his success. Another and still more important change of spirit in the University, which, if it is not fully accomplished, is, it may be hoped, more near accomplishment than it has been be-