198 



sequently named Stauronema Bayleyi. In 1843, his observa- 

 tions had become so numerous that, at the meeting of the Asso- 

 ciation of Geologists and Naturalists in Boston, he communicated 

 his paper entitled, " Sketch of the Infusoria of the family Bacil- 

 larige, found recent or fossil in the United States," extending to 

 fifty pages and illustrated by figures ; a paper which attracted 

 much attention everywhere, and placed him at once in the high- 

 est rank as an investigator of microscopic forms. 



The volume is also instructive in showing how much industry 

 and enthusiasm — what a patient and gradual accumulation of 

 numberless facts — how many trials, and doubts, and difficulties a 

 man must always surmount in arriving at solid fame and true 

 eminence. 



V. The Scientific Letters, which he submitted to the 

 Society to retain such as might be deemed desirable for auto- 

 graphs or otherwise, and destroy the remainder at discretion, 

 your Committee have found very interesting, and consider that, 

 with very few exceptions, they ought to be preserved. In addi- 

 tion to every man of scientific note in this country, he numbered 

 among his correspondents all the most noted Microscopists and 

 Algologists in Europe, such as Ehrenberg, Kiitzing, Queckett, 

 Harvey, Greville, Smith, Williamson, Ralfs, Agardh, De Bre- 

 bisson, Montague, Le Normand, and very many others. Their 

 letters contain many interesting facts and discussions, and even 

 now many of them contain drawings and specimens as they were 

 sent, and which the Committee think should be transferred to 

 their appropriate places. The history of Microscopy and Micro- 

 scopists in this country, can never be so well learned elsewhere 

 as from these letters. Indeed, time always renders the corre- 

 spondence of original investigators of curious interest and of 

 real value. As an index of the varied acquirements and world- 

 wide reputation of our departed benefactor, Ave think they should 

 be preserved. The thousand and one inquiries which were made 

 of him respecting Microscopes — the little packages sent him by 

 hundreds from beginners that they might be named, " if it would 

 not be taxing him too much," show how much of his time he must 

 have sacrificed, as every man of mark in science is called upon 

 to do, to good nature, and to tasks that were profitless and vexa- 

 tious so far as his own advancement is concerned. 



