PREFACE, xi
forest with my father, I thought it a very agreeable occupation ; but when I found that it included many other things, I soon dis- covered there was a profession I liked much better, Some years had rolled away; when one afternoon in October, about the year 1816, somewhat to my own surprise, I found myself about two o'clock walking down Holborn Hill, on my way to Mr. Abernethy’s opening Iccture at St. Bartholomew's. Disappointed of being able to follow the profession I had chosen, looking on the one I was about to adopt with something very much allied to repulsion, considcring everything in this world flat and unprofitable, and painfully depressed in spinits, I took my seat at the lecture.
When Mr. Abernethy entered, I was pleased with the expression of his countenance. I almost fancied that he could have sympathised with the melancholy with which I felt oppresscd. When he commenced, I listened with some attention; as he went on, I began even to feel some pleasure; as he proceeded, I found myself entertained; and before he con- �
