2 68 PIONEERS OF SCIENCE IN AMERICA. 



Academy of Natural Sciences. He possessed a large collec- 

 tion of precious stones from all the important localities in the 

 world ; and copious notes, in his own writing, are still attached 

 to all the specimens. 



Another friend of Dr. Lea's expresses surprise that, in all 

 the published notices of him, " no one has spoken of his won- 

 derful powers of observation of Nature even in her minutest 

 forms. You will pardon me if I say that I consider it one of 

 his highest qualifications as a man of science. Nothing ever 

 escaped his quick eye in the field or by the roadside when 

 driving. Every tree, shrub, and flower, was full of interest to 

 him, from which he ever imparted knowledge to his friends. 

 In observing crystalline forms I believe he excelled others." 



Another friend regards him from a different point of view, 

 and says : " Something of his great-heartedness was revealed 

 to even the casual observer. It found expression in form, and 

 feature, and voice. Yet it was by those who knew him inti- 

 mately that the social, affectional qualities of his nature were 

 best perceived and most admired. Inheriting a loving spirit, 

 and receiving the gentle impressions of a Christian home, he 

 never lost his priceless dower. The demands of successful, en- 

 larging business, the fondness for scientific study, the passion 

 for scientific discovery, the allurements of fame, were wholly 

 insufficient to make him other than amiable and self-forgetful. 

 His home was the source and centre of his delight. He grate- 

 fully acknowledged his indebtedness to those on whom he lav- 

 ished his regard. During all the years in which he used even 

 the night-watches for his investigations, the early hours of 

 evening were spent, with free and joyous mind, in the midst 

 of his family. He ever took more from himself than from 

 others. Hospitality was the very genius of his house. With 

 gentlest, heartiest courtesy his friends were welcomed to his 

 fireside and his board. To those of scientific turn his rare 

 and extensive scientific collections were opened with genuine 

 delight. For those whose choice was in other directions, pro- 

 vision was made with equal care and gladness. Toward little 

 children, and the young in general, his sympathies went forth 

 with spontaneous freedom. He delighted to show to childish 

 eyes, and to explain to childish comprehension, the beauties 

 and marvels of Nature. Especially did he rejoice in giving 

 encouragement to those who were struggling upward against 



