VISIT TO EUROPE: RESIDENCE IN EDINBURGH. 195 



plicates were forwarded by the usual channels. I have already 

 stated that I received a full discharge from my pecuniary 

 responsibility. This document I still hold, with the signa- 

 tures of the great and good men who are long since re- 

 moved from life. I hold also another document, an hono- 

 rary and honorable testimonial of entire satisfaction on the 

 part of my patrons, as regards the use of all the means, 

 opportunities, and time that were placed at my disposal. 

 This document has the signatures of a majority of the 

 Board, the Prudential Committee of Yale College. It 

 is in my recollection that two of the gentlemen were absent 

 from the meeting, and that I neglected afterwards to ob- 

 tain their signatures, which would have been given at any 

 time. In relation to professional improvement, I trust it 

 has been already rendered evident that a much higher 

 standard of excellence than I had before seen was pre- 

 sented to me, especially in Edinburgh. Upon that scale I 

 endeavored to form my professional character, to imitate 

 what I saw and heard, and afterwards to introduce such 

 improvements as I might be able to hit upon or invent. It 

 is obvious that, had I rested content with the Philadelphia 

 standard, except what 1 learned from my early friend, 

 Robert Hare, the chemistry of Yale College would have 

 been comparatively an humble affair. In mineralogy, my 

 opportunities at home had been very limited. As to geol- 

 ogy, the science did not exist among us, except in the 

 minds of a very few individuals, and instruction was not 

 attainable in any public institution. In Edinburgh there 

 were learned and eloquent geologists and lecturers, and 

 ardent and successful explorers ; and in that city the great 

 geological conflict between the Wernerian and Huttonian 

 schools elicited a high order of talent and rich resources 

 both in theory and facts. Here my mind was enlightened, 

 interested, and excited to efforts which, through half a 

 century, were sustained and increased. Had I remained at 

 home, I should probably never have reached a high stand- 



