The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-07-28


OF England were entirely ignorant OF II. Two years
t,lore his appointment TO the professorship. Dr.
dwight sent him to Europe 70 prepare for his new
10 welcome him. In the pursuit of his object he en-
tered and studied the mines and quarries Of Great
Britain, and by laborous exertions, and the aid OF
sympathising scholars at Edinburg ne at last qnah
lied himself to open the new department Of science
at Yale College. This was an arduous undertaking.
The new science had no books, no system. and no
friends Theologans considered it in6delity, and
publicly protested against the opinions of the adven
turous professor aud against the endorsement which
the college was giving to the heretical doctrines
The theories held by learned men of that day, re-
gardng the structure OF the earth. were involved In
The disciples Of Hutton and the "igneous" the
ory were zealously fighting the disciples Of Werner
and the aqueous theory. In the mind of Profes
sOr Sitman both theories were combined into
an harmonious whole, and the true science of geo
logy, a. it is now recognised, emerged from the
elemental war.
The scientific departments Of Yale College have
been gradually and extensively enlarged under the
direction Of Professor Silliman. For long time
after he opened his new professorshp the geological
and neurological cabinet Of the college was con-
spacious apartments OF large building dedicated
to its use. and Is probably the richest and largest
collection of its kind in the country.
Professor Silliman has always been distinguished
as popular lecturer on his favorite sciences Of
chemistry and geology. His style. though somewhat
difinse, is graphic and fluent, and always adorned
with the graces and dignisies of true gentleman.
falensians OF modern times viii remember the che
mical lectures Of "Uncle Ben" at MONDAY, in the
Laboratory and his geological In the cabinet
and they viii not forget the good advice, which he
occasionally slipped in between the explosions Of
gases and the CONGREGATIONS of acids, when he
caught t1Iant eye, in his audience, wandering
from the retorts and aembics to the more blooming
attractions in the young ladies' gallery Those were
the romantic epochs OF college civilization; when
Madame Duttons school girls, and all the bellies Of
| n ~ l.ah tn
and the Seniors !! Alsck-aday where are they
nowt
Professor silliman is seventy-seven years Of age,
and now enjoying his otsMm cum dignifote in his
hospitable mansion, on Hill House avenue. Though
past his three and ten, he is still hale aud
vigorous gentleman one of the old school, whom
time seems to touch lightly, and to whom youth
seems to be perpetual.
Professor siiman retired from his Office during
the past year. and has been succeeded by Professor
James D. Dana, IL D., who initiated his professor
the class OF ls33-was the geologist Of the United
States Exploring Expedition under Commander
| Wikes-s q son in-law Of his predecessor, and an
associate editor of the American Journal Of Sci
| encs and ART
During his professional career, Professor Slliman
has edited several text books of geology and che
misry. In 1910 be published his travels in England
| in TWO volumes which are readable to this day. In
/ 1870 he published the Journal of Tour to Que
bec.' On his return from second visit to Europe
in 1851, he published two volumes of travels. In
1917 ne established the american Journal Of Sci.
| ence and Arts, a quarterly which is still published
IN New Haven under his editorial care, assisted by
Professors Dana and B. Silliman, Jr, and which has
attained an eminent rank as a scientific journal.
The part which Prof. Siliman took in the nofOri-
| Gus Kansas meeting, held in New Haven last spring
where Brother Beecher perpetrated that awfdl
"6l EN- pun which has ncknamed him Kll'em
Beecher been msinterpreted to the injury of
the college. Prof Siliman, at that time not Of
cally attached 20 the college, and his attendance
at that meeting an individual matter He did
not represent the college there in any capacity and
though his opinions on Kansas affairs, when given to
the public, entitled TO consideration and respect,
they should cot be taken as the political manifesto Of
Yale College. That meeting was an unfortunate af-
fair for Yale; and if Brother Beecher had kept his
College would probably this day be in much better
\ prospective condition.
OF the other old professors Of YALE to whom
| have alluded the readers OF the HERALD may be
1 glad 70 know that Professor Olmstead, who gradu
ated in 1918 still occupies the Chair of Natural
] Philosophy and Astronomy, to which he was ap
pointed in 1925. Professor Goodrich, who graduated
1910, occupies part the Chair OF Rhetoric and
! English Literature, to which he was appointed in
| 1871 Professor Fitch. who graduated in 1910, and
20 well known ~ q fine old conference.-the para
| gon OF mo0esty and ysics-occupies the
| Theological Chair, 10 which he was appointed in
in the Chapel pulpit. His successor here is Prof.
Geo. r. Fisher, who is to preach the Baccaaureate,
tomorrow afternoon.
The crowds usually attending this anniversary
beginning TO arrive and the city il fast filing
up with strangers We anticipate an interesting
anniversary and whatever occurs shall, be duly re.
ported fof your columns.