36 Edward Livingston Youmans. 



Eleven at night I have had a blessed, refreshing season 

 this evening with the first part of Bain, where he opens 

 the nervous system. There is no subject like it in all the 

 world under the sun. Let us rip it up from the bottom. 

 You can't learn too much about it, nor think too much 

 about it. Every step of simplification gained in this region 

 is a mighty stride in a grand direction. So, press on gently 

 with the brain and nervous system, . . . 



My position is secured. If health lasts, it only remains 

 now to reap. It is well worth while to battle this thing 

 out. Every little point gained has a great value. I am 

 out of the horrible pit and miry clay of my to-day's letter. 

 Give yourself no trouble; I am not to be unhorsed now, 

 you understand. Truly, 



E. L. Y. 



LAFAYETTE, IND., December 21, 1859. 

 DEAR SISTER: 



I have had a lesson. 



" Only one ? " you say. 

 Yes, I have had many, 

 But the last to-day, 

 From that costly teacher 



Whom we all employ, 

 In that thorough manner 

 Which we don't enjoy. 



But I can't get on in this way it's too slow and so I must 

 dismount from Pegasus and take Foot-Walker line. I have 

 further to report of the Lord's dealings (read the inclosed 

 long extract). Lafayette turns out an audience of a thou- 

 sand. Think of the Masquerade after the publication of 

 that passage ! Wasn't that a fix ? But I have been provi- 

 dentially saved from mortification. Yesterday morning, 

 while in the cars, He who watches the ground birds and 

 counts hairs sent a cinder out of the popgun of fate and 

 struck the bird's eye in the white the left one. It was a 



