1895.] OoJ [Rosengarten. 



"within sight, the former outlining it as work yet to be done — tlie latter 

 taking up the story of Ferdinand and Isabella just at the close of the 

 period covered by Coppee. He drew his information from current his- 

 tories, from Arabian sources, from contemporary records, and from later 

 Spanish authors, thus giving to the public the results of earnest study of 

 works little known to the general student. 



Dr. Coppee was elected a member of the American Philosophical 

 Society on January 14, 1856. He contributed an " Obituary of Washing- 

 ton Irving," Vol. vii, p. 363 ; a paper on " Flax Culture," Vol. ix, p. 26 ; 

 and an " Obituary of Gen. O. G. Mitchell," Vol. ix, p. 147, of the Pro- 

 ceedings of tho Society. The first of these was read September 21, 1860, 

 the last on February 20, 1863, and the two are characteristic alike of Prof 

 Coppee's love of literature and of the services of his fellow-graduates of 

 West Point, especially of those who, like Gen. Mitchell and like Coppee 

 himself, had won honor in the field of arms and in peace. 



When, in 1865, Judge Packer conceived the idea of founding Lehigli 

 University, and looked about to find some one who could undertake the 

 carrying out of his noble plan. Prof Coppee was elected as the most suit- 

 able, and in November of that year the Presidency was offered to and 

 accepted by him. In the following spring he removed to Bethlehem, and 

 the arrangements were made for the opening of the new institution, which 

 was chartered in February and began its work in September. Technical 

 education was in its infancy, and many of the original regulations have 

 been modified from time to time, as the advantage of such changes was 

 demonstrated ; but after all these years, the general wisdom of the first 

 foundation has been justified by the fact that so much still remains un- 

 altered, and the name of the first President is written upon much that now 

 exists. 



In 1875, President Coppee decided to resign the Presidency and confine 

 himself to literary work, which was so much more congenial to him than 

 the executive duties of his office, but consented to act as President until 

 his successor could be elected. Thrice since, in 1879, in 1890 during the 

 temporary absence of Dr. Lamberton, and from September, 1893, until the 

 time of his death, he filled this office, and administered the aflairs of the 

 university with faithfulness and zeal. 



In his chair of English Literature he did much to arouse a love for 

 the great models of literary art, and made the study of Shakespeare a 

 delight to large and enthusiastic audiences. His fine taste and beautiful 

 delivery enabled him to give an interpretation of the mighty dramatist 

 which charmed all who heard him. But his fondness for his work of 

 teaching impelled him to unfold his favorite authors to select companies of 

 pupils who appreciated to the full his instruction, hours that will be 

 doubly precious to the memory now that the beloved teacher is at rest. 



Dr. Coppee was honored by Union College and by the University of 

 Pennsylvania with the degree of Doctor of Laws, and has had a number 

 of public appointments which show in what high esteem he was held by 



PROC. AMER. PHIL09. SOC. XXXIV. 149. 2 T. PRINTED NOV. 16, 1895. 



