Memoir of Pi-. Richard M. liyriies. 71 



MEMOIR OF DR. RICHARD M. BYRNKvS* 



This brief notice of one who occupied a prominent place in 

 the Cincinnati Society of Natural History for so many years, 

 and contributed so materially to its establishment and pros- 

 perity, and was so well loved and highly esteemed by all the 

 members, is a simple token for the records of the Society. 



Richard Mahan Byrnes was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 

 on the 2d day of November, i<S35. He received a moderate 

 education in his youth, and when quite young came to Cin- 

 cinnati and entered a jewelry store as a clerk, where he after- 

 ward became the traveling salesman and most trusted employe 

 of Garrett T. Dorland, the jeweler, then at the corner of Main 

 and Pearl streets. While so employed he studied mineralogy, 

 and when an opportunity was afforded, in his travels, he col- 

 lected minerals, and gradually became a general collector and 

 student of Natural History. He also studied' medicine and 

 attended the Ohio Medical College, where he graduated in the 

 Spring of 1863. He passed the examination for assistant sur- 

 geon in the army, hxxi was not called into service. He had a 

 mind for investigation and accurate observation and carried 

 his .studies, unaided, through all branches of nature and 

 nature's productions, until he had made a thorough scholar of 

 himself when he graduated in medicine, notwithstanding he 

 had snatched the opportunities from the busy life of a clerk 

 and salesman. The energy and taste thus displayed is an 

 example which entitles him to the remembrance of all natural- 

 ists who desire the spread of learning and diffusion of knowl- 

 edge among the people, for it shows that all intelligent men, 

 whatever their station or position, may become educated or 

 remain in ignorance of everything .surrounding them, that is 

 worth knowing, as their tastes and judgment may determine. 



Soon after he graduated, he located at Middletown, Ohio, to 

 practice his profession, but he only remained there two years. 



*Submitted by coimnittee appointed on death of l)i . K. M. Byrnes, as ])arl of 

 their report. 



