326 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



influence upon his method and style as a lecturer in 

 College. He indulged in more digression than had 

 been his custom in earlier days. He took delight in 

 alluding to his friends and scientific contemporaries, 

 and in interweaving observations and anecdotes not 

 strictly belonging to the topic under discussion. He 

 was aware of this peculiarity, and in the book in 

 which he recorded the briefs of his lectures, which 

 was kept in his laboratory, he repeatedly, at the 

 termination of his courses, censures himself in this 

 particular and writes down a caution for his own 

 benefit in the future. Thus in his comments upon 

 the chemical course of 1843-4, he says : " Digres 

 sions and extraneous remarks less frequent and 

 extended than heretofore, but there is room for more 

 compression and suppression." If this habit detracted 

 from the scientific value of his lectures, it probably 

 caused them to be heard with increased interest by 

 the most of his pupils. 



The practical utility of science was always kept in 

 view by Professor Silliman. He looked upon scien 

 tific truth as a means of promoting human comfort 

 and happiness. Hence he desired to carry his knowl 

 edge to those who were engaged in manual labor. 

 Reference has been made on a previous page to his 

 cooperation with Mr. Brewster in efforts for the in 

 struction of the working men of New Haven. This 

 gentleman remarks : * " Professor Silliman ever 

 evinced a deep feeling of interest in the moral and 

 intellectual improvement of the mass of the people. 

 Prompted by his encouragement, I erected Franklin 

 Hall for the purpose of providing instruction in the 



* In a letter to Professor Dana, dated November 26, 1864. 



