Throughout this period of his life Dr. Symonds continued steadily to win the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. No scheme of public utility, whether connected with sanitary matters or with education, was discussed without an appeal to his judgment. Applying the same high standard of excellence to public speaking as to literary composition, Dr. Symonds never addressed an audience without striking his hearers by the propriety and harmony of the language in which be conveyed solid thought and careful reasoning. Minute attention to style as the means of accurately expressing and of ornamenting thought was one of his most marked characteristics. It is sometimes questioned whether a writer or an orator may not gain force by the sacrifice of finish: but this sacrifice he never in the slightest of his utterances made; so that in speaking and in writing he was known as the most thoroughly urbane and polished master of classical English. At his table conversation insensibly assumed a tone of greater dignity. In his presence it was difficult to be rude or boisterous or vulgar. Wherever he went, he carried with him an elevating and refining influence without imposing undue constraint upon his company.

In local politics Dr. Symonds took no very active part. He was well known as a steady and consistent Liberal, not shrinking from any of the changes advocated by the leaders of his party. At the same time his interest in politics and the ability with which be handled political questions were so well known as to render many of his professional brethren anxious that he should offer himself as a candidate for the representation of Edinburgh University when it was enfranchised.1851 - 1868.

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