118 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



branches nearly in the order in which they are arranged in 

 Enfield's Philosophy. I consult the various authors on the 

 subject, select what is particularly interesting from each, and 

 if my own noddle suggests anything beside, I put all upon 

 paper and throw it into a form somewhat like the skeleton 

 of a lecture. This I carry to recitation, and, with such en- 

 largements as occur on the occasion, retail it to the class. 

 In addition to these recitations, I propose frequently prob- 

 lems in philosophy which require a mathematical solution. 

 The answers which are handed in by the members of the 

 class, I examine and correct. This, little as it may seem, 

 is all that I am doing at present. As to what I intend to 

 do hereafter, I can say very little. I intend to do what I 

 can ; but my health is such that I form no very distant and 

 extensive projects. The course which I have begun I shall 

 probably continue through next term. The summer will be 

 partly or wholly occupied with experiments. After Com- 

 mencement, it is possible I may begin to read lectures in 



the chapel I have anticipated with much pleasure 



your return to this place in March. But if you are to hold 



a talk of three weeks with your great brother in Princeton,* 



I see plainly my expectations will be frustrated. Pray 



bring home with you a specimen of the strings of wampum 



exchanged on the occasion My dear friend, I daily 



long for your return to this place. Though I am surrounded 

 with excellent friends and companions, yet, for one reason 

 and another, there is no one to whom I unbosom my full 

 soul. I could do it to Mr. Davis, if he were in health ; but 

 his situation is such at present that it is desirable that his 

 mind should be kept as free as possible from all painful or 

 turbulent emotions. You already know my feelings on one 

 subject of immense importance. When I see you again, 

 perhaps I may, and perhaps I may not, disclose to you some 

 other anxious thoughts which contribute at times to disturb 



the serenity of my mind 



* /. ., the Chemical Professor in Princeton College. F. 



