Whose numerous and varied contributions to medical science and to literature, and particularly whose distinguished discoveries and appliances for the alleviation of human suffering, have served to maintain and extend the reputation of the city and its medical school, and entitle him to the respect and gratitude of his fellow-citizens.
"I believe I have had the good fortune to draw towards our beloved and romantic town more strangers than ever sought it before for mere health's sake; and that too from most parts of the globe, from America and Australia, from Asia and Africa, and from the various kingdoms of Europe. The distinction which you have bestowed upon me is, in my eyes, greatly enhanced in value by the fact that, my Lord Provost, it has been passed to me through your hands - the hands of a chief magistrate who will leave so deep an impress of good upon this city and upon this era. For I know and feel with many of my medical brethren that during your term of magisterial office you have initiated among us a course of sanitary and hygienic improvements that will betimes add mightily to the health and well-being of the inhabitants of Edinburgh."