HIS KINDNESS. 353 



ing into their intellectual existence, and modifying their 

 habits of observation, of thought, and inquiry, and of 

 imagination. 



So in that other field of science through which Pro- 

 fessor Silliman led us in the " auld lang syne," the hearing 

 of his lectures was to me a memorable experience. From 

 that time to this, I have never seen a pebble by the way- 

 side without some thought, distinct or indistinct, of the 

 ocean in which it was rounded, and the geological eras 

 through which it has come to us. 



Benevolence was the habit of Professor Silliman's 

 feelings. Its genial warmth was felt by all, whether 

 high or low, rich or poor, who came near him. In 

 this regard he was no respecter of persons. Appli- 

 cants for pecuniary aid, even when their claims were 

 poorly verified, he found it hard to deny. His heart 

 seemed to warm towards the stranger, and towards 

 any whom it was in his power to aid by friendly 

 offices. A volume might be filled with letters to 

 him, acknowledging acts of kindness. The follow- 

 ing communication from a distinguished scholar 

 does justice to this beautiful trait of Professor Silli- 

 man's character. 



DR. CHARLES BECK TO G. P. FISHER. 



CAMBEIDGE, July 5, 1865. 



DEAR SIR, In your letter of the 1st instant, which 

 reached me yesterday, you ask me to communicate to you 

 my recollections and impressions of the late Professor Sil- 

 liman. I comply with your request with the more readi- 

 ness, because desirous that full justice should be done to 

 that excellent man, as regards his position as a scholar, a 

 citizen, and a man. I can illustrate his genuine disinter- 



VOL. ii 23 



