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in the English Mechanic he made a splendid reflecting telescope, having a speculum of six and a-half inches diameter, but not content with this, he constructed one still more powerful, and after devoting his spare time to it for upwards of ten years, had the satisfaction of possessing one of the finest instruments in the Southern world, with a speculum of twelve and-a-quarter inches diameter. Electricity had a great attraction for him as a youth, and instead of spending his leisure in the common recreation of lads he investigated the phenomena of this subtle force. It also induced him to study the construction of the telephone when Bell's discovery was published. He had no other guide than drawings in the Scientific American, but used them to such good purpose that he has the honour of being the first to construct a successful telephone in these colonies. He made numerous useful and amusing experiments with microphones of various kinds, and constructed a phonograph, with the conviction that it would never be more than a scientific toy. About 1878 Mr. Dobbie turned his attention to mesmerism in its various forms, and his abundant vitality made him a most successful operator. He has been instrumental in alleviating a large amount of suffering, for he pursued his studies with that specific end in view. Some of his patients have developed considerable clairvoyant powers, and their statements while in the mesmeric trance were marvellous. Mr. Dobbie became a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in his 18th year, and has been an active worker in connection with that denomination up to the present. He has found congenial work among the young, having been Superintendent of a Sabbath-school for upwards of ten years in the city and suburbs. Besides this, he has held various official positions in which his business capacity has enabled him to render valuable service. While on his tour round the world, Mr. Dobbie wrote a series of descriptive letters to the Methodist Journal and on his return these