326 PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 



ing a large and excellent series of examples and a good introduction to 

 the Chaslesian Superior Geometry, give a special character and a high 

 value to the" book, which is marked throughout by those excellences 

 which belong to all the works of its author. 



As a mathematician, Dr. Chauvenet is distinguished by extensive 

 learning, inexhaustible patience and thoroughness of research, exact- 

 ness of method, good choice of points of view, and a very high degree 

 of elegance and skill as an analyst. His works, judged as books of 

 elementary instruction, are direct and clear in mathematical style, and 

 quite free from that painful amplification of first principles which too 

 often characterizes text-books pretending to scientific accuracy ; while, 

 considered as embodying the complete development of their respective 

 subjects, according to the best and latest researches, in a hjghly prac- 

 tical and well-digested form for working mathematicians, they are books 

 of the first order. The labors of few American mathematicians have 

 reflected so much credit on science in this country ; and it is to be 

 lamented that the early decline of his health cut short a career which 

 had already been so honorable, and which, it was hoped, would yet 

 present an exemplification of still higher forms of mathematical power. 

 His private character was most estimable, attractive, and delightful. 

 His whole course in life was governed by the highest principles, both 

 in the purity and devotion with which he fulfilled his active relations, 

 and in the thoroughness of his scientific work. His disposition was en- 

 tirely amiable, and his companionship was full of the charm which pro- 

 ceeds from a sprightly, cultivated, and high-minded intelligence. 



Dr. Jarvis presented a paper on the longevity of the Euro- 

 pean races in the United States. 



Remarks on this communication were made by Messrs. E. H. 

 Clark, N. G. Shaler, Nathaniel Holmes, and Edmund Quincy. 



Six hundred and thirty-third Meeting. 



May 30, 1871. — Annual Meeting. 



The President in the chair. 



The President read the following letter from Professor Daniel 

 Tread well : — 



