The fact is that Terrot's mind revolted at the drudgery of acquiring branches of the science [mathematics] towards which he felt no inclination. It was characteristic of him to tread a small circle, but to tread it well; and he was constitutionally unfitted for stowing away in his memory, for temporary purposes, facts and figures in which he took no interest.

Absorbed in the depths of original research, the bishop found that which can, it is said, be always found in the depths of the ocean, viz., calm, in the midst of storm.

Readers will probably take very different views of Bishop Terrot's occasionally ardent devotion to mathematical study. Some will think that whenever he had any spare time for investigation and research it ought to have been devoted exclusively to professional subjects, such as the theological and biblical problems of the day. Others will hold that the one study was a help rather than a hindrance to the other; the occasional sub jection of the mind to the vigorous mathematical discipline being the best corrective of loose thinking and illogical reasoning. Those who take this view will believe that the bishop's addiction to mathematical research was an advantage to the Church as well as to himself; not only assuring him an occasional refuge from worry, but also maintaining in him that judicial frame of mind which never deserted him in the hottest controversies, and which extorted the admiration of his opponents.

The only evil effect of the bishop's mathematics was probably a little intolerance of the loose talk and inconsequential reasoning which often prevail in general society.

For many years of his life he was one of the regular attendants at our meetings; and when not actively engaged in the work going on, he was an active listener, and, when occasion called for it, and unsparing critic. He had a real love for the Society. As he left the building for the last time, he expressed himself to the effect, that henceforth his heart would be with us, but that the work of his hands was done. The only part of the proceedings which he did not relish was the tea-drinking after the meeting.

... precision of thought and language, ready wit, repartee and love of argument -- all set off to advantage by a distinct voice and deliberate utterance. He [Terrot] was also almost as impatient as Johnson himself was of twaddle and of pretence -- "humdrum and humbug" -- and thus to weak reasoners and pretentious talkers he appeared to be, and doubtless sometimes was, severe and sarcastic. But to men of like mind with himself -- deep and just thinkers and earnest talkers -- his conversation was very highly prized, and his society much courted.

The subject ... had been floating somewhat dimly before the eyes of mathematicians for half a century, and was just then beginning to assume a living form in the mind, and a living exponent, though a somewhat obscure one, in the writings of Sir W R Hamilton. It was not until six years later that the doctrine of Quaternions of the great master, as developed in his "Lectures", swallowed up in its vast amplitude all that had preceded it. Terrot accordingly must be considered as one of the pioneers of the science.

... had he [Terrot] cared to devote himself to "research," living chiefly on his fellowship, he might have made important discoveries in some branches of the higher mathematics, probably anticipating Sir William Rowan Hamilton in his discovery of Quaternions. But he had other views; and doubtless he took the wiser course.

Spencer Thomson, MD., Torquay ... Educated at the Edinburgh Academy, under the late Rev. Dr. Terrot, afterwards Bishop of Edinburgh.

In the narrow and somewhat sombre thoroughfare named Northumberland Street have dwelt some people who were of note in their time. ... No. 19 in the same street was for some years the residence of the Right Rev. Charles Hughes Terrot, D.D., elected in 1857 'Primus' of the Scottish Episcopal Church, and whose quaint little figure, with shovel-hat and knee-breeches, was long familiar in the streets of Edinburgh. ... few men were more esteemed and respected by others than Dr. Terrot of the Episcopal Church.

The minute of the vestry states that ... so large an advance has been at once made to Mr. Terrot's salary, making it higher than any clergyman of the chapel ever received before with the view of securing his undivided attention to his duties of minister of the chapel.