Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/30

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
xxiii

the close, tended by the watchful care of his devoted wife and children.

He breathed his last about eleven o'clock on the morning of Saturday the 11th of June 1864; his mortal remains were followed to the grave by many to whom his memory is dear, and rest near those of his father and grandfather in St Cuthbert's Church yard in Edinburgh.

What Ferrier was, is more surely treasured in the hearts of those who knew him than it can be livingly communicated in language to others: nevertheless it appears due to truth to record the utterances of some friends, who, from their constant and familiar inter course, had the best means of knowing and esti mating him aright. Contributions towards this end have been asked from a few, and granted with ready kindness.

Principal Tulloch, of St Mary's College, St Andrews, writes thus:—

"By the time I came to St Andrews (1854) Pro fessor Ferrier had reached the maturity of his powers, if not of his reputation. The 'Institutes of Metaphysic' were just published, and I had read the volume with great admiration, fascinated particularly by the boldness and brilliant subtlety of its specula tions. We soon formed a fast friendship; and as for some years we both remained at St Andrews, in sum mer as well as winter, we were in the habit of con stantly meeting together. His interest in intellectual discussions was unceasing; his love of books, and his