RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1873. Testimonial to Dr. James Murie. Medical Times and Gazette, vol. 1, (29 March), p. 350.
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe. 6.2020. RN1
NOTE: See record in the Freeman Bibliographical Database, enter its Identifier here.
Introduction by John van Wyhe
James Murie (1832-1925) was a physician and naturalist who, in addition to numerous positions for the study of biology, was Prosector to the Zoological Society, 1865-1870. Murie wrote to Darwin on 31 March 1872 asking for a letter of testimonial for the post of professor of physiology, therapeutics, and pharmacy at the Royal Veterinary College. Darwin provided a letter on 2 April 1872. See Correspondence vol. 20, pp. 135 and 140. He was not successful. The following printed testimonial, not previously recorded, sought donations to aid Murie. Darwin contributed a cheque for £10 on 21 March 1873. See Correspondence vol. 21, p. 134. He was medical officer at the Bethnal House Lunatic Asylum, London, from 1871 to 1874 and later Secretary to the Linnean Society of London, 1876-1880, then librarian, 1880-1888. He went on to become well known for his research on the Thames fisheries.
This item was later published in Correspondence vol. 30, supplement.
[page] 350
Testimonial to Dr. James Murie.
An opinion having been expressed that it might not be inappropriate to present Dr. James Murie, formerly Prosector to the Zoological Society of London, with a substantial recognition of the services which he has rendered to science by his numerous memoirs printed in the Proceedings and Transactions of the Zoological Society and other scientific journals, we, the undersigned, have pleasure in acquiescing in that opinion, and in stating our belief that Dr. Murie's career has been a most meritorious one, very beneficial to science, and highly honourable to himself.
The Viscount WALDEN, F.R.S. (President of the Zoological Society of London).
Sir CHA. LYELL, Bart., M.A., L.L.D., D.C.L.
CH. DARWIN, M.A., F.R.S.
JOS. D. HOOKER, C.B., M.D., D.C.L., F.R.S.
ALLEN THOMSON, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S.
G. M. HUMPHRY, M.D., F.R.S.
JAMES GLAISHER, F.R.S., F.R.A.S.
W. SHARPEY, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S.
WM. TURNER, M.B.
J. LOCKHART CLARKE, M.D., F.R.S.
W. K. PARKER, F.R.S., F.Z.S.
JOHN YOUNG, M.D., F.R.S.E., F.G.S.
GEO. BUSK, F.R.S., F.L.S., F.G.S.
ST. GEORGE MIVART, F.R.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S.
FRANK BUCKLAND, F.Z.S. (Inspector of Salmon Fisheries).
WILLIAM AITKEN, M.D.
J. BELL PETTIGREW, M.D., F.R.S.
Note.—Professor Turner, of the University of Edinburgh, and Dr. Bell Pettigrew, of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, have consented to receive subscriptions with a view to furthering the above object. Intending subscribers will oblige by communicating with either of those gentlemen.
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
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