DR. WM. J. BEAL. 



BY. PROF. A. J. COOK. 



There are three peculiarities that specially mark our age and time: the 

 new philosophy as to the origin of our earth, and the life which swarms 

 upon it — which has quickened thought and study, and put new life into 

 almost all industries and intellectual processes; the new method of teach- 

 ing science, which presents things fresh from nature for the student's study 

 and examination — in short the study of nature itself not books which often 

 give only a distorted view of nature ; and the tremendously practical trend 

 which all thought and investigation are taking. Not that men love mere 

 abstract truth less, but that they honor any truth or discovery more, which 

 helps men, and tends to lift their burdens. 



It is said that Agassiz, though a bitter opponent of evolution, did more 

 than most any other man to establish the grand hypothesis; for he discov- 

 ered and formulated those laws which prove evolution true. 



So we may say of Dr. Wm. J. Beal. His studies, discoveries, and method 

 of instruction have been most powerful agents in fixing the trend of the 

 times. With Agassiz, Darwin, and Gray he has unearthed facts which are 

 the very breath of the new philosophy. He was one of the first in this 

 country to perceive the better method of teaching natural science, and from 

 the first he has held on to this true system — as explained in his " New 

 Botany " with an unfaltering grip. More than this, he has keen execu- 

 tive ability and a profound appreciation of the practical. He knows where 

 to take hold of life's lever and he has the signal ability to teach his pupils 

 to appreciate the practical in life, and to become powerful in developing 

 the practical methods in study and in business. 



Dr. Beal was born in Lenawee county, southeastern Michigan, March 11, 

 1833. He was born of Quaker parents, and his father was a farmer. Were 

 I asked to give the two most striking peculiarities of Dr. Beal, I should 

 say great industry, and unswerving tnithfulness and honesty. Indeed, he 

 is so frank and truth-loving that he can not even look upon deception of 

 the most harmless kind with any favor. This often makes him appear 

 strange and blunt, so he is not infrequently misunderstood. Those who at 

 first think him rude, at last come to respect and love him all the more, 

 because of the very qualities which at first gave offense. Did not the busy 

 boyhood on the farm do much to develop the industry which has remained 

 with him every since? Did not those plain, honest Quaker parents instil 

 the love of truth and genuine honesty which is Dr. Beal's best possession? 



He fitted for college at the Raisin Valley Seminary and entered the 



