genius lay in that direction. The farther he advanced in the study of mathe-
matics, the more engaging it appeared; and as a prospect opened up to him of
making it his profession for life, he at last gave himself up to it entirely.
while still very young, he conceived a strong predilection for the analysis of
the ancient geometers ; which increased as he proceeded, till it was at last carried almost to devotion. While he, therefore, comparatively neglected the
works of the modern mathematicians, he exerted himself, through life, in an
uncommon mariner, to restore the works of the ancient geometers. The noble
inventions of fluxions and logarithms, by means of which so much progress has
been made in the mathematics, attracted his notice; but he was satisfied with
demonstrating their truth, on the pure principles of the ancient geometry.
He was, however, well acquainted with all the modern discoveries; and left,
among his papers, investigations according to the Cartesian method, which show
that he made himself completely master of it While devoting himself chiefly
to geometry, he also acquired a vast fund of general information, which gave a
charm to his conversation throughout all the subsequent years of life. On
arriving at his twenty-second year, his reputation as a mathematician was
so- high, as to induce the members of the college to offer him the mathematical chair, in which a vacancy was soon expected to take place. With all
that natural modesty which ever accompanies true genius, he respectfully
declined the high honour, feeling reluctant, at so early an age, to advance
abruptly from the state of student, to that of professor in the same college; and
therefore requested permission to spend one year, at least, in London. Leave
being granted to him, without further delay he proceeded to the metropolis,
and there diligently employed himself in extending and improving his mathematical knowledge. He now had the good fortune to be introduced to some of the most illustrious mathematicians of the day, particularly Mr Jones, Mr Caswell, Dr Jurin, and Mr Ditton. With the last, indeed, who was then
mathematical master of Christ's Hospital, and highly esteemed for his erudition, he was very intimately connected. It appears from Mr Simson's own account, in a letter, dated London, 17th November, 1710, that he expected to have an assistant in his studies, chosen by Mr Caswell; but, from some mistake, it was omitted, and Mr Simson himself applied to Mr Ditton. "He went to him, not as a scholar (his own words) ; but to have general information and advice about his mathematical studies." Mr Caswell afterwards mentioned to Mr Simson, that he meant to have procured Mr Jones's assistance, if he had not
been engaged.
In the following year, the vacancy in the professorship of mathematics at Glasgow did occur, by the resignation of Dr Robert Sinclair or Sinclare; and Mr Simson, who was still in London, was appointed to the vacant chair. The minute of election, which is dated March 11, 1711, concluded with this very nice condition: "That they will admit the said Mr Robert Simson, providing always that he give satisfactory proof of his skill in mathematics previous to his admission." Before the ensuing session at college, he returned to Glasgow; and having submitted to the mere form of a trial, by solving a geometrical problem proposed to him, and also by giving "a satisfactory specimen of his skill in mathematics, and dexterity in teaching geometry and algebra;" having produced also respectable certificates of his knowledge of the science from Mr Caswell and others, he was duly admitted professor of mathematics, on the 20th of November of that year. The first occupation of Mr Simson, was to arrange a proper course of instruction for the students who attended his lectures, in two distinct classes; accordingly, he prepared elementary sketches of some branches, on which there were not suitable treatises in general use. But from an innate love
