Xxiv MEMOIR. 



In conformity to his wishes, the work was carried 

 out in a style far superior to what was contem- 

 plated, and proved also much more voluminous, 

 while the sales were very limited. The cost, of 

 course, far exceeded the means of publication; 

 and the residue, amounting to a large proportion 

 of the whole, was contributed by him. 



At the session held in Boston in September, 

 1848, he was to have presided over that distin- 

 guished body, and expected much gratification 

 to himself on that occasion, in the anticipation 

 that the citizens of Boston would, by their hos- 

 pitality and energy, render it a profitable and 

 happy occasion to those who might favor them 

 with their presence. 



It was not, however, for his direct, actual scien- 

 tific labors and acquirements that Dr. Binney 

 stood in his most important relations to science. 

 Others have, probably, labored more constantly, 

 more zealously, and have made more progress 

 than he. But he held a position which very few 

 occupy. He stood between science and the pub- 

 lic to whom it must look for countenance and 

 support. Fully alive to its claims, having a 

 clear, philosophical appreciation of the difference 

 between true and false science, and having him- 



