In recognition of the high admiration of his brilliant and distinguished career as a surgeon, and particularly of his discovery and establishment of the antiseptic method of treatment in surgical operations.
"I may truly say that there is no city in the world from which such a distinction would have given me greater gratification. Edinburgh has the proud title of Modern Athens, and she fully deserves it, not only from her natural features and the beauty of her buildings, but from the high level of her intellectual activity. The University of Edinburgh ranks among the best in the world, and her medical school is certainly second to none in the Empire. The distinction of the University of Edinburgh has always been a matter of deep concern to the municipality. I remember the time when the patronage of a large number of chairs in the University rested exclusively with the Town Council, and they still exercise a most important influence in the election of Professors. It seems to me an interesting instance of the connection between town and gown in Edinburgh that this magnificent hall, a gift to the University from the splendid beneficence of one of the citizens of Edinburgh, should be used on this occasion for a municipal function. To be made the honorary burgess of a city so distinguished and so critical is a thing of which any man may be justly proud."