best proofs that he had been a diligent scholar under able teachers. Far from adding to the innumerable examples of those who, boasting of a classical education, retain little love of ancient learning, and acquire as little of modern literature, he preserved, in all circumstances, a fondness for those liberal studies which have, in all ages, been acknowledged to adorn success, and mitigate the unavoidable trials of adversity. This circumstance was, probably, in part, attributable to an accidental direction given to his mind after his school-days, but must partly be ascribed to the exercises of the grammar-school, and partly to that parental care of which he ever cherished a grateful and pious remembrance.[1]
Next to the advantage of having a good schoolmaster, must be placed that of having an able professional instructor in early life; an advantage which was possessed, in an eminent degree, by the subject of this memoir. Soon after leaving school, in 1813, he became the pupil of the late Mr. George Freer, of Birmingham, one of the most distinguished provincial surgeons of his time, and a gentleman of a very amiable private character. From this period, the papers, note-books, and memoranda of Dr. Darwall, present remarkable evidences of the interest
- ↑ Upon the fly-leaf of his father's copy of the Inaugural Dissertation published by Dr. Darwall, in Edinburgh, in 1821, are the following lines in Dr. D.'s hand-writing. " This volume is presented to the Rev. John Darwall, as a small but sincere memorial of gratitude for parental solicitude, exerted towards the author through many years, with equal judgment and kindness. That as he has lived to see this first production, so that he may live to reap more mature and solid benefits from the author's exertions, is the sincere prayer of his affectionate son, John Darwall."
