THE NAUTILUS. 



VOL. XII. OCTOBER, 1898. No. 6. 



WILLIAM HENEY DECAMP. 



BY BRYANT WALKER. 



Thirty-five years ago, Grand Rapids might fairly have been 

 called the scientific center of Michigan. Through the energy and 

 enthusiasm of a little group of men interested in natural history, the 

 Kent Scientific Institute was organized, and a great deal of good 

 work was accomplished in developing the fauna and flora of the 

 western part of the State. 



Prominent among the founders of the infant institution were three 

 men, who were particularly interested in conchology, and through 

 whose efforts the richness of the molluscan fauna of Michigan was 

 developed with a thoroughness that has few parallels in the States 

 west of the Allegheny Mountains. 



The names of A. O. Currier, J. A. McNiell and W. H. DeCarup 

 will always be familiar to the students of Michigan who may follow 

 their footsteps in the field of their favorite pursuit. 



By the death of Dr. DeCamp, which occurred on July 4th, the 

 last of this little group has been called away from the activities of 

 this life to " the unknown bourne." 



Dr. DeCamp was born at Mt. Morris, Livingston County, New 

 York, November 6, 1825. He received his medical education in 

 the medical department of the University of New York and the 

 Medical College of Geneva, New York, where he graduated in 1847. 

 He at once entered upon active practice in his native State, where 

 he remained for eight years. In 1855, compelled by failing health, 



