, 1857-04-24
Death Of DR.. Elisha Ken, Kane.

of DR. KANE. Ii is but few weeks since
intelligence was received Of his departure
from England in search of health in
Havana, and strong hopes were entertained
that this change of climate and scene wonld
serve the purpose Of recruiting the phySicaI
energies which had become PROSTATE
through long course Of unremitting toll
and exposure. The hope proved faliaciouS,
and DR.. KANE is gathered TO his fathers,
while vet at the threshold Of his life and
at the commencement of II career whose
early promise was already abundantly full
filed. He died at Havana, Il few days
since, at the age of 80 years His mind
remained clear, and his disease, though
making rapid headway, left him moments
for calm reflection, and gave him peace
| ful end
DR.. ELISHA KENT KANE was a native of
PennSyIyaniu, born in Philadelphia, on the
Sd of February, 1922. His early years
were notable chiefly for the rapid develop
ment of that spirit of adventure and love
of investigation which afterwards carried
him over the world and led him into places
which no man hut he had eve: trod.
While yet student, lie joined one Of the
brothers RoGERs in geological exploration
of the Blue Mountains of Virginia, and
when this task had been accomplished,
devoted himself with renewed assiduity to
the study of the Natural Sciences. In the
interim, he pursued the necessary course Of
culture to qualify himself to enter college,
and, having entered, studied diligently,
In the year lS43, he graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania, and immedi-
tely after that event undertook course in
the Medical Department Of the same inSti'
tuition. During his prosecution OF scientific
investigations, the Doctor had made him
self thoroughly familiar with chemistry,
geology, mineralogy astronomy, anu surge
Try, aud, besides, was a good classical
scholar lie was one Of that rare class
who have the faculty Of acquiring knowledge
almost without effort, and when once
acquired, of keeping it ready for use Oh
all occasions. The natural consequence of
the close application he was compelled to
bestow upon his studies, however, under
mined his physical system, which rebelled
against the stagnaton that it had under
gone, so the young Doctor, then scarcely
of age, came out from his closet far from
robust. He made application for an ap-
poiniment in the Navy, and having receiv-
ed it, demanded active service. His re-
quest was complied with, and he was ap-
pointed on the Diplomatic staff Of the
first American Embassy to China, as Assis.
tant Surgeon. This position gave him
abundant opportunities for the qualification
of his passion for witnessing new scenes and
visiting queer places lie went successfully
through the accessible portions of China,
Ceylon and the Philippines, and explored
India quite thoroughly. In the island Of
LuZon-the nortbernmost and largest of
the Philippine group, lie created remar
kablc excitement by making a descent into
the crater of Tael, suspended by bamboo
rope from a crag which projected two hun
dred feet above the interior sc0riac. The
natives looked upon this as daring feat,
and declared that the Doctor was the first
white man who had ever attempted it.
The Doctor suffered by his exposure to the
gaSseS OF the crater, but was plucky enougy
to remain below until he had made sketch
Of the interior and collected specimens, all
of which he brought up with him. His
remaining adventures during this first for
eign experience were things to be remem-
6ered. He ascended the Himalayas, visi-
ted Egypt and went TO the Upper Nile,
where he made the acquaintance OF LEPsIUs
who was at the time prosecution his
archaeological researches; and obtaining
bis discharge from the Embassy, returned
home by way of Greece, which country he
traversed on foote He reached the United
States, after brief sojourn in Europe, in
the year 1916.
The Mexican War now broke out, and
Dr. KANE requested active service in the
campaign; but the War Department pre-
terrcd sending him to the coast of Africa,
whittier he presently sailed. While ell
gagged in service on that coast he made an
effort to visit the slave-martS Of Whydah,
but was prevented by the coISt-fever, and
sent home in lS47 invalid. From the
effects Of that attack he never wholly re-
covered. The war had not closed when he
again set foot Oh American sol, and lie
had scarcely regained strength to walk
when he applied to President Polk for per-
mission to enter the service The request
was complied with, and the Doctor was
sent to Mexico, charged with dispatches
OF great Importance to General Scorr He
did not make his way unscathed through
the enemy'S country; but was wounded aud
had his horse Killed under him in sharp
skirmiSh. TAe kind nursing Of family in
| Puebla, who received him lnto their houSe
caused his restoration to health, SO that
he resumed active service, and remained in
Mexico until the close OF the campaign
Returning to his own country, he was
detailed Tor service on the Coast Survey
and continued i'll that employment for a
considerable time. His varied requirements
made him most useful member of that
important corps.
But it is upon DR., KANE's remarkable
explorations in the Artc regions, while
making his search for traces OF Sir JoHy
FRANEIJN's EVnnlitionc thar IA f,,,, al; =