392 



than a common-school education, and it is known that until 21 

 years of age he labored upon his father's farm. At this period 

 of his life, moved undoubtedly by a desire to advance himself in 

 knowledge and usefulness, he went to Greenfield, and there en- 

 gaged himself in copying law papers and other documents, that 

 he might raise means to enable him to study the science of medi- 

 cine, to which his tastes inchned him. Subsequently, he entered 

 the University of the State of New York, where he graduated as 

 a Doctor of Medicine in 1831, being then about thirty years of 

 age. He subsequently commenced the practice of his profession 

 in Greenfield, and in this chosen sphere of his labors, he dili- 

 gently and with great success served the sick and suffering of his 

 fellow-citizens, until he himself was prostrated by the disease 

 which, unfortunately for science and humanity, proved fatal. 



Of his ability as a Doctor of Medicine, others present are far 

 more competent to speak than myself; but I quote the language 

 of one well acquainted with him, in the statement that " his suc- 

 cess and skill were acknowledged in all the various branches of 

 his profession, but were more especially conspicuous in operative 

 surgery. In critical cases, it is said that his coolness and pres- 

 ence of mind were unsurpassed." "No man," says the same 

 authority, " ever took a more genuine pleasure in the relief of 

 human suffering ; and being called to most of the difficult cases 

 within a large circuit of miles, the readiness with which he yielded 

 to the frequent demands upon him, was only equalled by the 

 diligence and professional enthusiasm with which he prepared for 

 his operations." 



But it is in his character as a Naturalist that we members of 

 the Society feel the most interest. None of us, I am sure, can be 

 unmindful of his labors in working out and faithfully portraying 

 the remai'kable impressions of the rocks of the Connecticut valley, 

 or of his yet more valuable and instructive observations upon 

 these interesting mementos of past life. Whatever may be said 

 of others who have honorably worked in the same field, this, I 

 think, may be truly stated of Dr. Deane, that the first scientific 

 observations upon the footprints were made by him. 



Years have since passed, — yes, nearly a quarter of a century 

 has gone by, since he first called attention to these impressions ; 

 but yet, though absorbed much in the duties of his profession, he 



