BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 47 



determined to devote his life especially to science and art, intending " after his own family " 

 to make the Boston Society of Natural History and the Boston Athenaeum, the objects 

 of his solicitude and bounty. His anticipations were not realized. His health again 

 declined, and encouraged, by his former experience he sought to regain it by a sea voy- 

 age and a sojourn in Europe. His intentions were, if health permitted, to make himself 

 acquainted with the scientific collections of the old world, and to select while there, a fine 

 library of such scientific works as would be of service not only to himself but to others 

 engaged in like pursuits. He left home in October, 1846, was not improved by the voy- 

 age, and after suffering much from disease both in France and Italy, finally died at Rome, 

 February 18, 1847. His remains, in obedience to his wishes, were brought home for 

 burial at Mount Auburn. As the memoir states, " Dr. Binney in person was above the 

 middle stature, erect, robust and well formed. His complexion was dark, with very dark 

 hair and eyes. His features were full and well formed. His dress was scrupulously neat, 

 his manners were dignified and bespoke the gentleman. His voice was deep toned, full 

 and melodious, and his enunciation was remarkably distinct. In his opinions he was 

 decided but not obstinate. He was elegant and refined in his tastes, and passionately 

 fond of the fine arts. He was most happy in his domestic relations, an excellent father, 

 unspeakably anxious to train up his children, both by example and precept, in all their 

 duties to God and Man." An extract from his Journal quoted in the Memoir expresses 

 well his feelings relating to his children. "May they," he wrote, "especially imbibe 

 principles of honor and religion, and may it be their high aim to acquire and deserve the 

 name of the Christian gentleman. May it be said of my house, not that all the sons were 

 brave and the daughters virtuous, but that all the sons were upright and honorable, and 

 all the daughters good." 



The part taken by Dr. Binney in the formation of the Society, and his active zeal for 

 its interests manifested ever afterwards, have been shown but inadequately in the pages 

 of this history. To do full justice to the memory of all to whom it owed its origin, and 

 who nurtured it in its infancy, would require volumes where but brief chapters can be 

 given. He was, as has been stated, of that small number of persons who first met at the 

 house of Dr. Walter Channing on February 9, 1830, to consider the question of forming 

 a Society of Natural History. 



He felt a great interest in the Journal of the Society and contributed several papers 

 which appeared in its columns. To the Museum he presented specimens of great value, 

 not only for his favorite department of Conchology, but for any of them as opportunity 

 favored. It will be borne in mind by readers, that he offered upon condition that other 

 gentlemen opened their cabinets to a committee of the Society to select from them species 

 not in his own, his whole collection of more than twelve hundred. The condition having 

 been complied with, the Society was enriched through his generosity to the extent of 

 about two thousand species. The first large donation of fossils and of minerals was made 

 by him and the number of specimens aggregated about five hundred. Of mounted Amer- 

 ican birds he also presented many. He had a large and valuable library of books on sci- 

 entific subjects, and these were always at the service of all who required them for investi- 

 gation. 



