of these works proclaim,
there is yet another and grander achievement for which science is
indebted to you. The new science of modern times which embraces the
relation of all physical energy is largely your own. It is to you that
we chiefly owe the development of that branch of the science called
Thermo-dynamics, which has revolutionised the theory of heat and the
principles of all the machines dependent on that theory. The steam
engine, the most important instrument, I believe, in existence, is now
placed on two principles. Its operation before the development of this
science was to a considerable extent obscure, and although there are
some features that still require consideration, you have done more than
was ever done before to instruct us in its true principle and operation.
Your development of thermo-dynamics, coupled with the great discovery of
Joule of the numerical relation of heat and dynamic effect, or the
quantity of the one that is equal to a quantity of the other, places
within our reach the numerical result to be obtained from assumed
elements of heat--prime movers. Your name, and that of Clausers, and
Joule, and our distinguished friend Thomson, will ever be associated
with this science, which has done much towards explaining important laws
of nature."

We may add that Mr. Rankine is a painstaking and conscientious teacher,
and takes great care to impart to his students a correct and
intelligible knowledge of their studies. He is no sciolist himself, and
he does not believe in merely superficial attainments in his pupils. As
to his social qualities, it is well known to his more intimate friends
that Professor Rankine is a _bon vivant_ of the first water. He is in
his element at the "Red Lion" dinners of the British Association, where
he has frequently displayed vocal powers of a high order of merit; and
it is worth while mentioning that he is the composer of the words and
music alike of some of his best songs. One of his most familiar
productions as a song writer appeared originally in _Blackwood's
Magazine_, and is entitled "The Engine Driver's Address to his Engine."

PROFESSOR ALLEN THOMSON.

Though Glasgow has long been somewhat over-shadowed, in matters medical,
by the superior fame of Edinburgh, it is nevertheless worthy of remark
that at no period have her medical schools, whether intra-academical or
extra-academical, been without teachers of high excellence. The
Hamiltons, the brothers