Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1847-10-01
Professor Agas>iZ.

We are glad TO learn, by the following an
nouncement in the Cambridge (NIass.) Chronic
cle, that the services Of this eminent Naturalist
are likely to be engaged in one of the literary
Institutions of our country. Our readers will
remember that we brought TO their notice, some
weeks since, the munificent donation of ABBoTT
LAWRENCE, of Boston, for the endowment Of a
Scientific School in the Cambridge University.
The specific objects Of the patriotic donor, in
founding this School, were to promote superior
attainment in what are better known as the
practical sciences, and the applica,ion 10 the
business and wants of life Of those sciences
which are deemed less practical. Mr., LAW
RENCE's noble design is to EDUCATE MECHANICS
to provide a School where INDUSTRY shall
find her capacities enlarged and her facilities for
profitable and useful labor increascd-an aim
higher and worthier than his who plans and
consummates the capture of Cities or the suLju-
CATION of Empires:
In carrying forward this design it has been
the well-known and wise desire of Mr.. LAW
RENEE to secure. in the several departments Of
Instruction. the cooperation of the highest order
of talent and attainment. This is clearly evin-
ced by the attempt to secure the services of the
ldely-di>tingmshed and learned gentleman
whose namc stands at the head of this article.
We cordially agree with the (hr0a:c!e that " nc
choice could be made more likely to give q
strong impulse to tine Scientific School, nor
we may add, to elevate the character of A.meri.
can Schools abroad, and to impart to them use.
%fulness and efficiency at home. Prof. AGAssIz.
if not the most eminent, is certainly among the
most eminent, of living Naturalists and judy.
ing from the ardor and simplicity with which he
pursued his scientific Investigations and inqui
r,cs. while he honorod our own neighborhoot
with his presence during a brief period, the pas
summer, we doubt not his p~ecUiGr fitness ana
capacity to impart knowledge to others. w,
trust no obstacle may i~nterposc to prevent lii
acceptance of the Profcssorship rendered t
him.
PROFESSOR AGAssIZ We understand that overture
have been made to llr. AgassiA, on behalf OF the Cor
poration OF Harvard College, to fill a Protcssorship il
the Scientific School OF the University, on one of Nh
Lawrencc's foundations. This step, it is understood
has been taken IN accordance with the expressed wis
] VI VI b'N I''l't' WIN nus nun III lliSA, b'fl uFSli
Gus OF engaging the corporation OF this eminent Nat
ulalist. We are much gIatitied to hear that the pro
posal has been t~avorably entertained by Mr.. Agasslz
Such, however, are his connections with his own GOV
eminent, that he has very properly referred the suhlec
to their appreciation, and To the advice oi his scientific
friends ~ Europe, and especially the Baron .AlcXande
Humboldt. The well known liberality Of thc King G
Prussia, and the enlightened zeal OF VI. Humboldt TO
the promotion of science, leave no doubt as 10 thei
willingness that Mr.. Agassiz should connect himse
with our University. They will probably feel that i
no other way could that gcntleman's talent, attain
r ment and skill ms n naturaliSt-which have been :
! satisfactorily exhibited To our community during tn
l., past year-be brought into such direct and etlicier
operation for the promotion OF science. We presum
I that intelligence will be received from Berlin, IN
f very few weeks, which will lead to the delinitive ap
pointment OF Professor .AgassiZ.
No choice, we apprehcnd, could be made more likcl
i to give a strong impulse to the scientific school an
d we take great satisfaction in adding, that none couI
be more satisfactory to the men of science in tn
ncighborhood, 10 whom Mr.. Agassiz has ecommcn
ed himself by his amiablc and massuming manner
not less than by hs extraordinary merits as a Natt
raiist.