SIR WILLIAM CARPENTER, one of the most attractive scientific writers of his day, was born at Exeter, England, October 29th, 1813. His father, Rev. Lant Carpenter, was a theological writer of distinction, and his eldest sister, Mary, showed the force of inherited intellect by making an international reputation as a writer and philanthropist. After studying medicine at the Universities of London and Edinburgh, Carpenter became Fullerian professor of physiology at the Royal Institution in 1844. His subsequent career was one of increasing distinction. He took part in several scientific exploring expeditions, notably in that of “The Challenger,” and wrote numerous books and essays, chiefly on biological subjects. His “Mental Physiology” is a work of absorbing interest, remarkable for the brilliancy of its style and the variety of the incident with which it deals. Carpenter died at London, November 19th, 1885.