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20 for polite literature. Either he might have taken the same course in life, and communicated the same instruction to the world in finer language; or he might unfortunately have been allured into regions less calculated for the display of his genius; and the treasures, which he bequeathed, might never have been collected. At all events, the friends of science have reason to be satisfied with the decree of fate; and, though John Hunter's merit lay not, as Caesar's did, in the sword and pen, he was well entitled to enjoy the favourite reflection, that, as we learn from Cicero, often consoled the Roman hero towards the close of his illustrious career; "Se vixisse satis ad naturam et gloriam."

The circumstance, which first directed the thoughts of John Hunter to the medical profession, was the renown of his elder brother, William, as a teacher of anatomy. The inducement of studying under so distinguished a master, and so near a relation, made him quit Scotland in 1748, and he reached this metropolis for the first time in the month of Sep-