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[387] and reverence by the students who were his immediate pupils, he became the object of a veneration bordering upon awe among those who were not; and though his delicate state of health prevented his frequent personal intercourse with the students at large, and absolutely precluded his taking part in the ordinary routine of academical discipline, yet this very circumstance gave additional weight to his authority when occasions arose that called for his interference; which was always exercised after a previous cool, clearsighted investigation, which put him in possession of the whole case; after which his decision was made with promptitude and firmness; and the measures dictated by it were declared and executed with a dignity and propriety peculiar to himself, and always perfectly efficient,

It was in the year 1774 that the university of Aberdeen conferred on one who, though but a temporary resident, might well be reckoned among her most distinguished alumni, the honorary degree of D. D. This appears to have been done on the motion of his friend, and former fellow-, student, Professor Thomas Gordon; and it is said that when he obtained his diploma, being totally unapprised that any such thing was in agitation, he was much discomposed, and could scarcely be prevailed on to assume the title. No man, indeed, was ever more averse to parade of any kind.

After Mr. Walker's departure from the academy in 1773, the funds of the institution being not thought adequate to the maintenance of a third tutor, Dr. Enfield undertook the mathematical department, and Dr. Aikin exonerated him of the classical part of his former charge. Though this

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