78 PIONEERS OF SCIENCE IN AMERICA. 



of observers throughout the Union ; his expositions of a theory 

 of the earth and solar system captivated minds of the highest 

 qualities. His speculations on the phosphorescence of the wa- 

 ters of the ocean, on the fecundity of fish, on the decortication 

 of fruit trees, on the anatomy and physiology of the shark, 

 swelled the mystery of his diversified knowledge. . . . His 

 researches on the ethnological characteristics of the red men of 

 America betrayed the benevolence of his nature and his gen- 

 erous spirit. . . . He increased our knowledge of the vegeta- 

 ble materia medica of the United States, and wrote largely 

 on the subject. . . . He largely seconded the views of Judge 

 Peters on gypsum as a fertilizer. . . . His letters to Tilloch, 

 of London, on the progress of his mind in the investigation 

 of septic acid oxygenated azote is curious as a physiologi- 

 cal document. ... He was associated with Griscom, Eddy, 

 Golden, Gerard, and Wood in the establishment of the Institu- 

 tion for the Deaf and Dumb ; and, with Eddy and Hosack, 

 may be classed with the first in this city, in respect to time, 

 who held converse with the afflicted mute by means of signs." 

 It would be difficult, says an article in Harper's Magazine 

 for April, 1879, for those who never saw Dr. Mitchill, "to con- 

 ceive the deference paid to his learning and judgment. His 

 knowledge of the physical sciences, his varied and intimate ac- 

 quaintance with classical literature, both ancient and modern, 

 his attainments in history and political science, his practical 

 acquaintance with public affairs, and his remarkable affinity 

 with the common and useful arts, caused him to be looked upon 

 as a fountain of learning always ready to pour forth abun- 

 dant streams of knowledge to every thirsty applicant. A witty 

 friend once said of him, ' Tap the doctor at any time, he will 

 flow.' Accordingly, the merits of all inventions, discoveries, pro- 

 jects, arts, sciences, literary subjects and schemes, new books 

 and publications, professional cases, acts of charity or public 

 spirit, and a multitude of other things, used to be submitted to 

 his critical opinion. If he had not been one of the most polite 

 and amiable of men, he could hardly have borne the demands 

 thus made upon his time and patience." Dr. Francis relates 

 that, being present at his funeral, he stayed till all but the sex- 

 ton had gone, and then asked, unrecognised by him, whom he 

 had just buried. " A great character," the man answered, " one 

 who knew all things on the earth and in the waters of the great 



