Page:Lives of British Physicians.djvu/230

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210 BRITISH PHYSICIANS. and who preserved indelible recollection of liis power to convince and to awaken. His arrangement was clear to the dullest capacity. The spirit of his discourse was always in unison with the tone of voice and the expression of countenance inspired by the particular mood which governed him on the day. If he were joyous, all the figures introduced for illustration bounded with mirth and good hu- mour ; if he were grave, the objects placed in view were of a more sombre hue, and on a grander scale ; and if he were peevish, (which we may easily believe to have been his least accustomed frame,) a peculiar tone of thought, word, and action, ex- cited a new train of ideas in his auditory. The languor of a nerveless uniformity was never experienced. He did not so much strive to imbue the student with particular details, as to present him with a general view of the whole subject, — to show what had been already attained, — to point out what remained to be discovered — and to place him on the road which seemed to conduct to a solution of difficulties. A rapid outline was first drawn, in which the whole figure started boldly at once from the canvas, distinct in all its parts, and unmixed with any other object ; presently he be- gan to trace the picture anew, to strengthen the features, to sketch the distance, and to complete the whole in as perfect a manner as the state of his science would permit. His conduct towards his pupils was exemplary. A¥itli those who appeared diligent he formed an early acquaintance, inviting them to supper in very small parties, and freely discussing with them, at such opportunities, their doubts, their wishes^ and