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SAPIENTIA ET DOCTRINA STABILITAS

the Classes in Chemistry in connection with the Medical
Faculty, having brought before the Board the necessity
of appointing a permanent Professor of Chemistry and
Natural History in the Faculties of Arts and Medicine,
was authorized to continue his correspondence with Dr. Balfour
Professor of Botany in the University of Edinburgh, and
with such Candidates as Professor Balfour might recommend,
with a view to obtain a properly qualified person for the
proposed Chair.

From the time of the resignation by Dr. Machar
in 1853 of the office of permanent Principal, which the
onerous duties of his pastoral charge rendered him unwilling
to retain, efforts had been made to secure a suitable success-
or for that important position, Dr. George having agreed in
the meantime to act as Vice Principal. Endeavours, however
having failed to obtain from the Church of Scotland one
possessed of the necessary qualifications for the Head of
the Institution, and Dr. George having in Septr 1887 resigned
the office of Vice Principal, together with that of Trustee, the
Board, strongly convinced of the urgent necessity of an
immediate appointment for the good of the College
and Church, and assured from ample testimony,

1856-57