ed success. His lectures on Anatomy and Physiology were clear and comprehensive; minute yet full; judiciously dis criminating, he gave to each subject belonging to those sciences the attention which the importance of each justly merited. In the science of Anatomy, which has occupied the lives of such men as Bell and Hunter, Beclard and Meckel, he knew all that was known. To whatever part of the science he directed our attention, he at once excited our interest. On the subject of Physiology, a science of less certainty and less demonstration, he wisely abstained from all visionary speculations.

To attempt to unfold the laws of the animal economy farther than the phenomena of animal life are concerned, or to explain the principle of vital action farther than a full delineation of the phenomena which are the result, has generally been to appeal to the imagination for the support of a favorite hypothesis. Futile have been all the efforts of ingenuity to subject the etherial agent of life to the rigid principles of Mechanical or Chemical Philosophy. Theory has followed theory, in varying succession, from the time of Hippocrates to the present; and even now, many of the most ancient notions on this subject are deservedly the most popular; while all the ingenious and prominent physiological theories are exhibited to the student, his attention is called to examine the subject in the light of reason and sound philosophy.

With a full and clear anatomical description of the different organs of the animal system, he delineated their functions, enumerated the phenomena of life, recounting the experiments which go to establish principles and assign laws for the government of actions connected with life. Thus while his course enlightened and enlarged the understanding, the minds of his hearers were guarded against any prejudice or bias, which would hinder future investigation.

The subject matter of discourse is stated; the important points candidly discussed; the whole subject clearly presented, and in such a manner as not only to excite present

attention, but to invite future reflection and investigation.

In the practice of Medicine, Dr. WELLS possessed the requisite qualifications for eminent distinction and usefulnessand in the intervals between his lecture terms he was assiduously employed. Besides holding the office of Dispensary Physician, he was also engaged in very considerable private practice.

With the same zeal and perseverance which belonged to his character as Professor, he applied himself to the practice of Medicine; attentive to his patients; affable and agreeable in his manners; generally beloved, and rapidly acquiring the confidence of the public, and an extensive practice.

The value of decision of character, as well as perseverance, was duly appreciated by Dr. WELLS. He saw and experienced the powerful agency of this principle, producing a concentration of effort and energy of action, which with irresistible force bears down all obstacles, and triumphs over all opposition. Its vast power and influence on the character is observed in all those who are distinguished masters in the arts and sciences, and in the liberal professions, as well as in the enterprizes of philanthropy and benevolence.

In our own favored country, where all are equal-where the road of preferment is open to all-and where merit is the criterion to settle the reward, he best succeeds who best improves his time.

Would you, Gentlemen, properly appreciate the traits of character which constitute a great and good man, follow the example of him whose praise is in the mouths of all who knew him. In his youth and in his studies; in his manhood and in his practice; industry, decision and perseverance characterize his every stage of life. Unaided by affluence, or the patronage of influential friends, he was early thrown on his own resources, and his efforts corresponded with the importance of the achievements he was destined to make.

Trust not, young Gentlemen, to patrimonial bounty to supply the defects which negligence creates-improve the favours of Providence to facilitate your progress in the high and honorable course of professional study-but never suffer them to induce sloth, or serve as an apology for indolence, and thus pervert to your ruin the blessings of Heaven.

The dignity of your nature forbids that ignorance and wealth should usurp the place of knowledge and reputation; however captivating the smiles of wealth, pecuniary independence bears no comparison in value to true independence of mind; the law of the animal economy which unites effort to improvement, and strength to exercise, cannot be violated with impunity. What conquests have been achieved by individuals when thrown entirely on their own resources; and how many have been destroyed by parental indulgence and pecuniary bounty? How often has a patrimony, or the expectancy of one, quenched the spirit of enterprize, and alJured to the path of inglorious ease, blasting the hopes of the too fond and indulgent parent. While on the other hand, how numerous the instances where even poverty has fired the soul with an all conquering resolution, stimulated the mind to energetic action, and crowned with success the noble daring of the heirs of her fortune.

Be not too much elated by riches, or the prospect of a rich inheritance, nor blinded by its dazling brilliancy; and never suffer poverty to depress or discourage you; or the anticipation of it to produce despair. But while you study the laws of the animal economy, regulate your conduct by those principles which govern the developement, progress and perfection of the corporeal and mental powers; and if at any time distrust or despondency come over you, call to your relief the many striking examples of the truth and soundness of the doctrine; especially recollect the untiring exertions of him whose death we now mourn, and on whose virtues memory will long delight to dwell—who, without the aid of wealth, or the influence of friends, by his own efforts rose,

and by his talents gained an eminence in the profession, and that too, at an early age, standing unrivalled. We have to lament that in the attainment of so distinguished excellence, by labor so unremitting, the powers of his constitution were tasked beyond their ability to support.

In the preparation and delivery of his lectures nothing was omitted which would contribute to aid in producing the most powerful effect on his audience. His uniform practice of devoting the hour preceding his lecture exclusively to the particular subject, is proof of his industry and faithfulness, and gave him a familiarity and ease in the performance admired by all.

Highly distinguished as was Dr. WELLS in his professional qualifications, their attainment costing him much time and labour, we would not withhold from him the tribute which literature and general science so cheerfully award and so liberally bestow on his character.

A thorough classical education, with a mind well disciplined, formed a solid foundation for the erection of a rich and splendid superstructure; his varied and copious learning the expanded powers of his intellect present conclusive evidence of his industry and perseverance, and justly entitle him to the reputation of a good general scholar.

But it was his moral qualities, added to his intellectual powers, which gave a beauty and interest to his character, and threw around it a fascination, endearing him to his friends, and captivating all who fell within the circle of his acquaintance. Governed by a delicate sense of honor-in his feelings actuated by a spirit of liberality-open and frank in his disposition-above envy he disdained all hypocrisy and in an unparalleled course of prosperity, he main tained a dignity and modesty of demeanor, which proved his moral worth of the highest order. No false philosophy darkened the clearness of his perceptions, or disturbed the purity of his sentiments; none contaminated the professional instructions flowing from his lips. While un

folding the complicated and wonderful structure of the human system, he omitted no opportunity of impressing on the minds of his hearers the evidence of the divine agency and wisdom, displayed in the formation of man, and of the power and benevolence of God constantly exerted for his preservation and continuance. In all the different relations he was called to sustain in life, he not only acquitted himself with honor, but by his example bequeathed to his friends and the public an invaluable legacy. We have seen him in prosperity almost unexampled; we have seen him admired and honored above most others of his age, and we have not witnessed a corrupting and destroying influence either on the mind or conscience. The field of his brilliant prospects is opening wider and wider; his sphere of usefulness is continually enlarging; his professional reputation high and immovably established; his numerous friends sharing with him a well deserved and wide extending fame. In the possession of all that earth can proffer to her most favoured sons, suddenly and unexpectedly a sad and mournful change occurs; he is stopped in his career of prosperity, and compelled to exchange all the delights of social and active life for the torture of pain and the confinement of disease; here his trials begin, and now is to be tested the value of his character for true wisdom. With fortitude and patience he endures the most excruciating sufferings of body, while his mind reposes with tranquil confidence in the dispensations of an overruling Providence, acquiescing in humble submission, influenced by the truths of the christian religion, which he publicly professed, his soul rises above all earthly objects and holds converse with the skies.

In prosperity he was not corrupted, and now in adversity he does not despair. In the nearer approach of death he was calm and resigned, while the bosoms of his friends were torn with grief and sorrow. We sympathize with those friends in this most afilictive dispensation, and we mourn the early departure of one whose promise of long continued usefulness seemed so sure, and whose life was so