462 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1895. 



He had, however, that precious endowment, a well devolped sense 

 of humor. His conversation was frequently enlivened by the re- 

 lation of laughter- provoking incidents from his wide and varied 

 experience, while the good things related by others were heartily 

 enjoyed by him. 



A friend having asked him shortly after his eighty-third birth- 

 day what he had learned of most value during his long life, he replied 

 after a moment's reflection, " Well, I believe I have learned not to 

 be too cock-sure of anything." 



The official who endeavors to perform his duty without fear or 

 favor is certain to antagonize the ignorant, the selfish, and the un- 

 scrupulous as well as those holding honestly different opinions. This 

 is equally true of the officer of a society, the chairman of a committee 

 or a Metropolitan police commissioner. Dr. Ruschenberger was no 

 exception to the rule. When convinced that he was right he was, 

 notwithstanding his tolerant theories, but little disposed to make 

 concessions, sometimes holding tenaciously to his opinions even in the 

 face of an adverse decision by the majority. Hostile critics were 

 therefore not lacking, but he was probably consoled by the reflection 

 that " he who never had an enemy was never worthy of having a 

 friend." Friends, steadfast and warm, he had; friends to whom he 

 had endeared himself by his sterling qualities of heart and mind. 



While he treated the religious opinions of others with toleration 

 and respect, he left his own to be inferred. He certainly was not 

 in visible union with any recognized form of orthodoxy, and would 

 probably not resent the assertion that he was in sympathy with 

 modern agnosticism in its negative and least aggressive sense. If 

 an upright life devoted during all its active years to the intellectual 

 advancement of mankind, and a reverent recognition of the Divine 

 Mind in Nature be taken as evidence, then may we believe that had 

 Dr. Ruschenberger lived when men cherished the same truths under 

 different formula? his motto would have been ad Majorem Dei 

 yloriam. 



Messrs. Charles C. Harrison, John M. Justice and Howard W. 

 Dubois were elected members. 



The following papers were ordered to be printed: — 



