CULLEN. 207 The patrons of the university of Edinburgh were very anxious to strengthen their seminary, and directed their attention to the rising fame of Cullen. Dr. Plummer, their professor of chemistry, soon left a vacancy, which Cullen was invited to fill. He resigned all his employments in Glasgow, and repaired, in 1756, to the city which was to become the scene of his distinction, from which he finally sent forth admiring pupils to all parts of the world, and which he really enriched and bene- fited by the halo which he flung around the me- dical school during his brilliant career. The emi- nence of an university depends, more than is gene- rally imagined, on the attraction of one or two great names, which exert a magnetic influence : no expense can be misplaced by the governors of an university in drawing such rare individuals to their bosom. Chemistry had been rather neglected at Edinburgh, but Cullen restored it to its rights, and even created a tide in its favour : chemistry now brought a more numerous assemblage to its hall, than any other science, excepting anatomy. Many students spoke of Cullen with a sort of enthu- siasm ; this produced a reaction and an opposition party, which endeavoured to misrepresent his doc- trines. Cullen's reputation only became more clear through this fermentation. He proceeded steadily and tranquilly in the path of instruction, and opened a large field of private practice, which his frank and engaging manners, his kindness and his disinterestedness enabled him to cultivate with growing success. He became the friend of his patients ; they could neither dispense with his attendance nor with his intimacy.
