220 BRITISH PHYSICIANS. science at Oxford. Hunter had brought a letter of introduction to Dr. Douglas, from the printer Foulis, of Glasgow : this physician was then intent on an anatomical work, which he did not live to complete ; and was looking out for a young man of abilities and industry whom he might employ as a dissector. This circumstance fixed his atten- tion on Hunter, and finally induced him to invite the young stranger into his family, for the double purpose of assisting in dissections, and of direct- ing the education of his son. At this time he was also a surgical pupil at St. George's Hospital. Douglas died in 1742, but Hunter still continued to reside with his family. An essay On the Structure and Diseases of Articulating Cartilages appears to have been the first production of his pen ; it was communicated to the Royal Society in 1743. To teach anatomy was now his favourite plan, but he did not engage prematurely nor rashly in that undertaking; he passed some years more in the silent acquisition of the necessary knowledge, and in the careful formation of a collection of preparations which might assist his lectures. A promising opportunity at length occurred for the exercise of his talents. A society of naval surgeons had engaged Mr. Samuel Sharpe to deliver some courses of instruc- tion on the operations of surgery : that gentleman at length declined the task, and William Hunter stepped into his place. He afforded so much satis- faction, that his hearers soon requested him to extend his lessons to anatomy. His first anatomical course was attempted in 1746. He experienced much anxiety and doubt
