far-extended observations yielded These fruits consist in his strong 

 and deep convictions of the paramount importance of the Natural Sci- 

 ences. In his favorite Geology he saw the history of the creation of 

 our globe, and the history of its endowment with millions of species 

 of plants and animals. Around this science he saw all the sciences 

 clustering, and each one revealing its own peculiar part in the forma- 

 tion ot our planet. With his enlarged views he loved to look back 

 through the inconceivable ages — the millions of years — that are past, 

 and to contemplate- the doings of a wise and benevolent Creator. He 

 saw that for the moral and intellectual welfare of the human fiimily, 

 nothing was more important than to be blessed with the grand and 

 elevated views of the proceedings of the Eternal. Therefore he devoted 

 all his talents, all his time, and all his pecuniary income to the promo- 

 tion of Science. And therefore he was unwearied and unsparing in 

 founding Scientific Institutions, in collecting Scientific Libraries, and 

 objects of Natural History. In these institutions, in these museums, 

 and in these libraries, he had the happiness of beholding many scien- 

 tific men at work night and day exploring the hidden things of Grod, 

 and evei-y year — indeed every month — announcing new truths to the 

 world. The number of young men especially who devoted themselves 

 to scientific labors in the institutions founded by him, is remarkable. 

 And through them and through others yet to rise up, his influence 

 will be felt in coming time beyond any definite period we can fix. As 

 far as we can see, speaking deliberately and calmly, his influence will 

 tell upon the destinies of man forever. Such is the exalted attribute 

 of great benevolent sacrifices. " Yield ye yourselves living sacrifices 

 to God" is an ancient precept ; and Thomas Bellerby Wilson, devoting 

 himself with his whole heart, is a beautiful modern example. Beau- 

 tiful because of his modesty, his unostentatious (juietness, and his con- 

 stant, daily devotion to the work of benevolence, apparently insensible 

 that he was so devoted. 



The principal institutions established by Dr. Wilson were the Aca- 

 demy of Natural Sciences, and the Entomological Society of Phila- 

 delphia. The former of these was founded in 1812 by a few men of 

 very moderate means, but with a high appreciation of the value of 

 scientific truth. But it owes its building, its scientific library, and its 

 magnificent collection of objects of Natural History chiefly to two indi- 

 viduals, William Maclure and Thomas B. Wilson. It is noteworthy 

 how many points of resemblance there were between these two cha- 

 racters. Both made geology their favorite study; both travelled ex- 



