Oliver.] *^"^ [Dec. 15, 



facture of mathemalical and optical inslrumcnts at the corner of Eighth 

 and Chestnut streets. 



One of his earliest orders was the construction of a large compound 

 microscope for the late Dr. Paul B. Goddard. The excellence of the 

 instrument and his continually increasing local reputation amongst the 

 prominent scientific men soon secured him the patronage of many of the 

 leading histologists, microscopists and mineralogists. These business 

 connections soon brought with them the pleasant and ever extending 

 social and scientific associations, so common and so universal amongst 

 those whose life aims are for intellectual good and philosophical research. 

 Although reticent to a degree and unassuming amongst large bodies of 

 men, yet his uncompromising honesty of opinion when sought for, his con- 

 stant willingness to help solve the most difficult problems in theoretical 

 and applied optics, and the clear, forcible and logical manner with which 

 he grasped and handled any subject in question, made men seekers of him 

 rather than he of them. 



Ever thus he was surrounded by distinguished men of all professions 

 and occupations who were interested in microscopical and optical 

 science ; men, who as friends and brothers, sought his workshop to take 

 his counsel in the solution of vexed problems in the laws of light ; men, 

 who as students came to him to gain his advice as to the best form of con- 

 struction of instruments of precision ; and aye, even overwise tyros will- 

 ingly found in this patient and unassuming man the calm and dignified 

 correction that Ihe}^ had not supposed themselves able to receive. 



Most approachable ; always cordial ; unbiased in his feelings towards 

 the crudities of individual belief ; and unlimited in his liberality in regard 

 to personal and national opinion, he embraced those qualities that make 

 a man lovable, craved for, and sought after. 



For nearly a quarter of a century he fought and rapidly subdued many 

 of the vexatious questions in the construction of some of the most im- 

 portant mechanical details of the microscope, thus not only simplifying 

 and perfecting the necessary apparatus, bringing greater ease, more com- 

 fort and superior results in technique to the practical microscopist, but 

 obtaining those incentives and inducements for better and increased 

 action. For these endeavors he received those official recognitions, by 

 prize, medal, honorable mention and scientific distinction, that lead all 

 honest and conscientious workers and observers to higher planes of em- 

 ployment. 



As early as 1865 he received a diploma as an award for merit from the 

 Massachusetts Charitable Mechanical Association, followed but nine years 

 later by another from the Franklin Institute of tiiis city. How much he 

 was commended for in the receipt of the Elliott Cresson gold medal on the 

 18th of .January, 1875, which was entrusted to the recommendation of the 

 Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania, by the provision of the 

 founder's will, can only be guessed at by the following points of excel- 

 lence — the marked superiority of general workmanship and finish ; the 



