JEFFRIES WYMAN 179 



experimental physiology had made little progress in this country, 

 but Wyman devised some most ingenious and effective pieces of 

 apparatus, which he too modestly called " dodges"; among these 

 was one for the demonstration of ciliary movement. 1 In a letter 

 criticizing a recently issued text-book of physiology for the lack 

 of experimental detail, he adds, " Everything that can be rein- 

 forced by experiment should be." Yet I never knew him inflict 

 needless pain upon any creature. 



He used the blackboard perhaps less readily and picturesquely 

 than Agassiz, but with more care and accuracy and with great 

 effect. He did not look constantly at his audfcnr^ ? nd he never 

 spoke forapplause. iiis hearers respected his wish that the only 

 expression^ oi approval should be perfect silence and attention; 

 but occasionally a quiet smile would usher in some quaint illustra- 

 tion of his subject, and embolden the audience to a subdued dem- 

 onstration. At the close, he always remained for an hour, explain- 

 ing specimens, and discussing questions with interested students. 



With the Boston Society of Natural History he was identified 

 during almost his whole scientific life. Joining in October, 1837, 

 he early served as secretary and as curator of several departments. 



At the annual meeting, May 17, 1843, a * ^ ne a e f twenty- 

 nine, he delivered an address which is thus mentioned in the 

 Proceedings, vol. i, p. 116: 



"Then followed the Annual Address, from Dr. J. Wyman, a 

 learned and interesting discourse on the progress of science in 

 the various branches of Natural History during the past year. 

 At the close of the address it was voted ' That the thanks of the 

 Society be presented to Dr. Jeffries Wyman, for his interesting 

 and instructive address, and that a copy be requested for publi- 

 cation.' " 2 



Elected President in 1856, he at first declined, holding that he 



1 In a letter of November 25th, 1869, feeling that it would be useful in my 

 own instruction, he devotes to it two pages and a diagram; it was not pub- 

 lished until 1871. 



2 There is no evidence that the address was ever published; the manuscript 

 is in possession of his daughter. It will be noted that this was not the presi- 

 dential address; to that office he was chosen thirteen years later. 



