41 



utilizing the assistance of cliemistvy in this worlv, and established the 

 tirst chemical laboratory for research. I suppose, ever built in the State 

 of Indiana. I remember well this Inltoratory in one of the dingy lOoms 

 of the old State House as I first saw it in 1S09 or 1S70. Professor Cox had 

 associated with him a chemist of slvill and great industry, Dr. G. M. Levette. 

 Doctor Levette was not only a sldlled chemist, but had also a worlv- 

 ing knowledge of other sciences, and, therefore, his aid in developing some 

 of the phases of the Geological Survey was of the greatest helpfiduess. It 

 was in this lal)oratory that I first saw a quantitative determination, and 

 I remember tlie feelings with which I used to watch Doctor Levette, who 

 patiently permitted me to hang around his laboratory and probably greatly 

 interfere with his Avork Avithout exhibiting any signs of petulance or re- 

 sentment. All the different varieties of coal which were then known in 

 the State were submitted to the most careful chemical examinations. He 

 also erected and operated a small apparatus by means of which 1)itumin- 

 ous coal could be heated under pressure, making, as he termed it, an 

 artificial coke or anthracite, illustrating prol)aT)ly some of the methods 

 by Avhich nature has secured the deposits of hard coal from those of a soft 

 or bituminous nature. I shall never cease to be grateful for the interest 

 which these two distinguished men took in my visits to their laboratories, 

 which, I fear, were all too freciuent for the even march of official business. 

 Tbe personal friendship wliicli I formed for Professor Cox at that time. 

 I am glad to say, has continued until the present. He is uoav an old man 

 letired from work and spending the evening of his life in the grateful 

 climate of Florida. The services, however, wliich he rendered to the 

 economic development of Indiana will be more and more appreciated as 

 the years roll by. It Avas also my good fortune to knoAv one of tlie suc- 

 cessors of Professor Cox personally and intimately, namely, Mr. John Col- 

 lett, who was first an assistant to Professor Cox and l)ecame State Geol- 

 ogist in 1880. Mr. Collett had a Avonderfully keen insight into the nature 

 of scientific problems and great ability in developing them. His chief 

 Avork toward the economical development of the State was directed to the 

 building-stone industry. He called attention to the remarkable character 

 of the deposits in LaAvrence County, and it was during his incumbency of 

 the office that the present State House Avas constructed of the stone of 

 that locality and the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument begun. INIr. Collett 

 was chiefly active as a geologist, though contributing in many other Avays 

 to the development of applied science in the State. He Avas the author 



