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This solicitude for accuracy made his herbarium exceedingly val- 
uable for reference and comparison to his unmerous friends, who 
were in the habit of congregating in his botanical workroom. 
This place, built as an addition to his home, was familiary known 
as ‘The Den.” Here he delighted in receiving his friends and 
exhibiting his scientific collections and numerous devices for faci- 
litating botanical studies. 
He was endowed with a marvellous memory for names and 
physical characteristics. This gift frequently enabled him to 
recognize specimens which he had not met with for many years. 
It was always a matter of gratification to him to surprise his sci- 
entific visitors with the demonstration of his mechanical skill as 
an amateur cabinet-maker. He personally constructed in the 
most skillful manner, his herbarium cases, tables, stands, micro- 
scopical cabinets, etc., with a degree of perfection rarely excelled 
by expert artisans. He also prepared, with that same mechanical 
skill, all his own collecting presses, which combined the several 
features of collecting portfolio and drying press. He was a micro- 
scopist of no ordinary ability, and took considerable interest in the 
application of this instrument in the investigation of vegetable his- 
tology. His collection of minerals in microscopic crystals has, 
' perhaps, never been excelled in beauty and in the neatness dis- 
played in their mounting. His dexterity in the dissection of bo- 
tanical specimens was frequently envied by his less expert com- 
panions. While so ardently devoted to nature in her various 
manifestations, Dr. Brinton did not overlook the advantages of 
linguistic attainments. In his earlier life, much of his time was 
devoted to the study of German, in which language he conversed 
fluently. He was also proficient in Latin and French. 
Physically, Dr. Brinton seemed to embody the highest ex- 
pression of perfect manhood. His commanding presence and 
graceful bearing stamped him at once asa leader, His powerful 
frame enabled him to endure and overcome great hardship and 
fatigue. 
_ Dr. J. Bernard Brinton was born near Waynesburg, Chester 
County, Penna., August 16, 1835. His parents belonged to the 
religious Society ‘of Friends. His early education was received 
at this place and subsequently at the High School in Philadelphia, 
