DR. ABRAHAM GESNER — A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. / 



Indians were employed, and almost any evening during 

 the progress of tlie woi'k a group of them could be seen 

 sitting about the fire, at the end of a large attic, smok- 

 ing killikhiiek and chatting in their soft tongue before 

 wrapping themselves in their blankets and going to sleep. 



These Indians, many of whom were Dr. Gesner's 

 guides in his surveys, and who were good judges of the 

 natural attitudes and appearance of the stufl:ed animals, 

 were very capable assistants in setting them up. Dr. 

 Gesner's own study of the forest and its denizens had 

 been careful and observant, and made him proficient 

 for the work in hand. The Indians gave him a title, 

 signifying "Wise Man." 



After leaving 8t. John he returned to Cornwallis, 

 Nova Scotia, and resided at the old homestead of his 

 father, Henry Gesner, and there wrote his "New Bruns- 

 wick, with Notes for Emigrants," and the " Industrial 

 Resources of Nova Scotia." 



He engaged meanwhile in such medical practice as 

 the country oftered, and in further study of science as 

 applied to arts and manufactures. The dynamo of the 

 present time was foreshadowed by many of his experi- 

 ments at this place. The appliances used for covering 

 wire with insulating material by a peculiar winding 

 apparatus were a portion of his work. 



He also constructed an electrical engine, or motor, 

 which was driven by a voltaic battery, the principle being 

 practically identical with that now used in electrical 

 motors, electrical lighting and other electrical applications. 



In 1850 he removed to Sackville, near Halifax. He 

 moved to Halifax in 1852. 



At Hahfax he met Lord Dundonald, then admiral of 

 B, N. A. station, who was the original discoverer of illu- 

 minating gas, and with him examined the asphaltum of 



