THE SCIENTIFIC WORK OF W. D. GUNNING. 527 



He developed a taste f(3r discussion very early. He used to 

 relate that it was a great treat to liim, when a boy, to listen on 

 Monday mornings to the remarks of the people of the neigh- 

 borhood concerning the sermons of the Presbyterian minister 

 of Bloomingburg. This minister was the Rev. William Dickey, 

 who christened him, and after whom his second name was given 



William Dickey Gunning. 



him. He had a great respect for him personally and as a 

 preacher. But it is recorded of young Gunning that he refused 

 to join the church, because he wished "to do his own thinking." 

 He had a strong bent for theological studies, and would have 

 dearly loved the office of pulpit teacher, but would not endure 

 the restraints put upon thought by the theological schools, and 



