206 BRITISH PHYSICIANS. This lady was a real prize to him ; she possessed beauty, good sense and temper, an amiable dispo- sition, elegant manners, and even a little fortune, which, however diminutive in modern calculation, was important in his actual position. She married him when he had no worldly advantages to recom- mend his suit, presented him with a numerous family, and enjoyed the gratification of sharing his dignified prosperity until 1786, when she peace- fully expired. The Duke of Hamilton being taken suddenly ill at the palace which bears the same name, was induced, by the character which he had heard of Cullen, to apply for his aid. Cullen not only benefited him by his skill, but attracted him by his conversation. To profit by the accidents, which common men neglect, is the true secret of success. The interest of this nobleman ap- pears to have procured him the situation of lec- turer on chemistry in the University of Glasgow. He had previously taken his doctor's degree, and began his course, in 1746, Here we perceive the versatility of his powers and his excellent judg- ment : he eclipsed the former professors, was the idol of his pupils, and for the first time, probably, in his life became an object of envy. His singular talent for arrangement, his distinct enunciation, his vivacity of manners, and thorough acquaintance with his science, rendered his lectures interesting in a degree which appears to have been until then unknown in Glasgow. His medical practice daily increased ; and, when a vacancy occurred in 1751, he was appointed by the king to the professorship of medicine.
