Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/29

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xxii
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.

whose criticisms of his views had been regarded by him as unjust, and had provoked some warmth of language in his reply to them, but who now called to inquire after his health. He was perceptibly touched by this mark of friendly feeling, and exclaimed, "That must be a good fellow!"

Twice in the course of the year 1863, in January and October, an assault of illness more than usually threatening had come on. He had, in the June of this year, travelled to London, to examine in philosophy the students of the London University, and had purposed doing so again in October; but after this attack it was obviously impossible. On the 31st of October, Dr Christison was consulted about his state, and pronounced his case to be past hope of remedy. He opened his class on the 1 1th of November in his own house, but during this month was generally confined to bed. On the 8th of December he was at tacked by congestion of the brain, and never lectured again. His class was conducted by Mr Rhoades, then Warden of the recently-founded College Hall, who, as many others among his colleagues would have been ready to do, willingly undertook the melancholy task of officiating for so beloved and honoured a friend. After this all severe study and mental exertion were forbidden. He became gradually weaker, with glimpses now and then of transitory improvement. So in unfailing courage and resignation, not unwilling to hope for longer respite, but always prepared to die, he placidly, reverently, awaited