by John Rae

“ Carlyle wrote of finding in him 'a force of insight and a loyalty to what is true, which greatly distinguish him from common, even from highly educated and what are called ingenious and clever men.' One of his strong points was his conversational gift. ”

“ But a foundation scholarship in mathematics which he won in 1865 gave him an annual stipend together with free rooms and commons. He graduated B.A. in 1867, and thereupon engaged in coaching students in mathematics and especially philosophy. His success as private tutor enabled him to give up his school work. He devoted much time to the study of philosophy, and in 1872 he published his first book, 'Idealism, an Essay Metaphysical and Critical,' a vindication of Berkeley against Hamilton and the Scottish school. ”

“ He also read a paper on trusts to the British Association at Belfast in 1902, and was a frequent contributor to the 'Nineteenth Century,' 'Contemporary Review,' and 'Economic Journal.' He was for many years examiner in political economy and also in philosophy for the Indian civil service and the Royal University of Ireland, and in English for the Irish intermediate education department. ”