Waterston.] 280 [June 19, 



appointed (May, 1841) Curator of the State Collection of Mineralogy 

 and Geology, ■which was at that time under the care of this Society. 



While we fondly recall the modest and unassuming spirit of our 

 friend, his manners, gentlemanly and courteous, his unweai-ied indus- 

 ,%ry and scholarly methods of thought, let us pause for a moment, and 

 briefly review the passing events of his life. 



,' Thomas Bulfinch was born July 14, 1796, at Newton, Massachu- 

 ' setts, where his parents, whose home was in Boston, were temporarily 

 residing. He was the second son of Charles Bulfmch, whose reputa- 

 tion as an architect, at that day stood among the highest in his pro- 

 fession ; his name has become associated with the State House, that 

 crowning object of this metropolis, and also with the National Cajiitol 

 at Washington. 



Mr. Bulfinch was fitted for college at the Boston Latin School and 

 at Exeter Academy. Graduating from Harvard University in 1814, 

 he numbered among his classmates, Prescott the historian, the Rev. Dr. 

 Greenwood, the Rev. Dr. Lamson, and many others who have since 

 filled prominent places, and left names which will be long remem- 

 bered. 



After leaving college, Mr. Bulfinch was chosen usher of the Latin 

 school, then under the charge of his friend and classmate, Benjamin 

 A. Gould, whose important labors in the cause of education exerted 

 an influence felt to this day. Here Mr. Bulfinch remained fourteen 

 months, when, feeling no very strong incUnation for either of the 

 professions, and the proclamation of peace (181G) reviving commerce 

 and trade, he entered upon the active duties of a business life. Two 

 years were thus spent in Boston, when he was led to remove to Wash- 

 ino'ton, where his father was engaged as architect in the erection of 

 the CapitoL Here he resided seven years, when, in 1825, he re- 

 turned to Boston, entering into a business copartnership with his 

 relative, Mr. Joseph Coolidge. This connection continued until 1832 

 when, after some other business experiences, he was chosen to a re- 

 sponsible position in the Merchants' Bank, which he held until the time 

 of his death, a period of thirty years. 



Devoted as he was to the duties devolving upon him as a man of 

 business, he had tastes, aside from this, yet more congenial to his na- 

 ture, which he followed with a quiet, but persistent enthusiasm. Thus 

 it was that he became an active member of this society, and its Re- 

 cordincr Secretary through six years. His favorite branches of study 

 in natural history were mineralogy and geology. Not that he laid 

 claim to any preeminence as an original investigator in those branches, 

 but feeling a keen interest in such subjects, he was anxious to study 

 and search as he might be able. Hence he greatly enjoyed the meet- 



