126 PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 



quent observation, has in it the same sort of moral sublimity as that 

 which attaches to the discovery of Neptune in consequence of Le Ver- 

 rier's predictions. Led by a remarkable expression of Kant to en- 

 deavor to develop the science of pure Time, Hamilton succeeded, first 

 in giving a new and better interpretation to algebra, and afterwards in 

 inventing, or as he modestly says discovering, a quaternion notation for 

 Space, having a generality that enables one to express in a brief equa- 

 tion truths that previously required a volume. We live too near the 

 time of its origin to comprehend its value ; but a notation capable of such 

 condensation of expression should be an engine of incalculable power. 

 This Science of Quaternions, first given to the Royal Irish Academy 

 in November, 1843, and published in the Philosophical Magazine in 

 July, 1844, has four kinds of symbols, one for real quantities, and three 

 for imaginary. 



In private life he was admired and loved ; the highly poetical im- 

 agination which was at the foundation of his geometrical ability showed 

 itself constantly in his conversation. His impulsive, ardent temper- 

 ament never led him into controversy, but his regard for the rights, the 

 opinions, and wishes of other persons was continually manifesting itself 

 in thoughtful courtesies and kindnesses. He made pure mathematics 

 his study, and metaphysics a favorite relaxation, reaching heights of 

 speculation in both to which few attain ; but he held with devout sim- 

 plicity to that Christian faith which was the guide and joy of his life. 

 He died September 2, 1865. 



The Rev. William Whewell, D. D., was born at Lancaster, May 

 24, 1794, and died at the Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge, March 

 5, 1866, in consequence of being thrown from his horse some days be- 

 fore. He took the Bachelor's degree at Trinity College in 1816, obtained 

 a Fellowship, was a Tutor for some years, and was appointed to a Pro- 

 fessorship of Mineralogy in 1828, holding that office four years, when 

 he resigned. In 1838 he was made Professor of Moral Theology, and 

 resigned the chair in 1855, when he became Vice- Chancellor of the 

 University. He was also appointed Master of Trinity College in 1841, 

 and held that high position at the time of his death. 



Dr. Whewell was a man of great and varied learning, handling with 

 ability the most diverse subjects of inquiry ; beginning with Reports to 

 the British Association on the Tides, and on the Mathematical Theo- 

 ries of Heat, Magnetism, and Electricity, and with the Bridgewater 

 Treatise on Astronomy, and text-books on Elementary Mechanics ; 



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