LIFE OF JAMES DWIGHT DANA 



When any young man showed a determined interest in 

 science, Dana was always ready to give him special en- 

 couragement and suggestion. Among those who came 

 under his influence in their early life, and have gained 

 distinction in different branches of the sciences that he 

 taught, may be named George J. Brush, William H. 

 Brewer, William P. Blake, Othniel C. Marsh, Addison 

 E. Verrill, Sidney I. Smith, Edward S. Dana, and Henry 

 S. Williams, professors in Yale; Clarence King, Charles 

 D. Walcott, and Arnold Hague, of the United States 

 Geological Survey; George H. Williams and William B. 

 Clark, of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. 



More than once Dana's classes thanked him in cere- 

 monious letters for his instruction. Here is that of the 

 class of 1856: 



"YALE COLLEGE, Mar. 31, 1856. 



" In view of your course of lectures on geology now 

 about to close, the senior class desire to assure you of the 

 satisfaction and pleasure afforded them in listening to a 

 course so highly interesting and eminently instructive ; and 

 to tender you their sincere acknowledgments of the same. 

 It affords us, Sir, no little gratification that we have been 

 the first class privileged to enjoy your teachings; and be 

 assured we shall ever cherish the most grateful apprecia- 

 tion of your efforts as an instructor and kindness as a 

 friend. 



" In parting we tender you, Sir, the thanks and most 

 cordial good wishes of the Class of '56. 

 " In behalf of the class, 



" CHARLES T. CATLIN, 

 " JOHN MASON BROWN, 

 " M. H. ARNOT." 



And here is the master's reply: 



" Before parting permit me to express my gratification 

 with the sentiments yesterday conveyed to me from the 

 members of the Class attending this course. In my 

 opening lecture I requested your willing ears ; and I have 



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