310 ALEXIS CASWELL. 



began, has it been an easy task even to keep in sight the few who are 

 steadily advancing the outposts of science; and, of late, it is quite 

 impossible without concentration. Dr. Caswell's predilection was for 

 meteorology and astronomy. During the long period of twenty-eight 

 aud'a half years (fi'om December, 1831, to May, 1860), he made, with 

 few interruptions, a regular series of meteorological observations, at 

 the same spot on College Hill, in Providence. These observations, 

 precise as regards temperature and pressure, and including also much 

 information on winds, clouds, moisture, rain, storms, the aurora, &c., 

 have been published in detail in Volume XII. of the " Smithsonian 

 Contributions to Knowledge," and fill 17'.* quarto pages. 



In 18-')S, Dr. Caswell delivered four lectures on astronomy at the 

 Smithsonian Institution in Washington. They were of the highest 

 order of pojjular instruction, and, on that account, were thought 

 by Professor Henry worthy of being peimanently preserved in his 

 printed report for that year. Whatever may have been, or may still 

 be, the conflict between science and theoh)gy, there is no conflict 

 between science and religion ; least of all in Dr. Caswell's mind. He 

 says in his introductory remarks : " The mechanism of the heavens, in 

 proportion as we comprehend more and more of its vastness atid seem- 

 ing complexity, bears witness to the enduiing order and harmony of 

 the universe, and points with unerring certainty to the superintending 

 agency of an intelligent and infinite Creator." And again : •' We 

 spontaneously pay the tribute of our homage to all great achievements. 

 But in no case is homage more just or more enduring than that which 

 all cultivated minds pay to him who stands as the minister and inter- 

 preter of Nature, and makes known to us her laws and her mysteries. 

 Many such adorn the annals of astronomy." 



Dr. Caswell joined the American Association for the Advancement 

 of Science at its second meeting, which was held at Cand)ridge iu 

 1850. Although he made no formal contribution to its proceedings, he 

 was a fi'equent attendant upon the annual meetings, took part in the 

 discussions, and always gave dignity to its deliberations by his character 

 and his words. In 1855, the Association had its ninth meeiing iu 

 Providence; and the hospitable reception then given to it, and the 

 hearty appreciation felt for its labors, were largely due to his influence. 

 The members expressed their gratitude for this service by electing him 

 as the vice-president for the next meeting, in Montreal, But the 

 death of the President elect. Professor J. W. Bailey of West Point, 

 called Dr. Caswell to the chair. At this large representation of 

 the science of the Continent (the only meeting which has taken place 



