THE McGEE MEMORIAL MEETING 



OF THE 



WASHINGTON ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 



In opening the meeting Doctor Coville said: 



When death comes to a man who has rendered distinguished serv- 

 ice to humanity, it commonly finds him occupying some high office 

 and surrounded by the members of his family. But the end of 

 Doctor McGee, according to the will of fate, came otherwise. It is 

 peculiarly incumbent upon us, therefore, his friends and colleagues, 

 to meet together for the purpose of paying honor to his memory. It 

 is true that individually we shall honor him as long as each of us 

 shall live. But we meet together at this time in order to give testi- 

 mony publicly to the high esteem in which we hold him. The Car- 

 negie Institution, through its President, Doctor Woodward, has 

 granted to the Washington Academy of Sciences the use of this build- 

 ing for this purpose. Doctor Woodward is out of the city. I regret 

 greatly that he could not have been here to himself open the meet- 

 ing, and to permit us to thank him personally. 



Doctor McGee was a member of numerous associations, many of 

 which are represented here tonight by members who have been se- 

 lected for the purpose. Many associations have passed resolutions 

 in commemoration of Doctor McGee. In addition to the resolutions, 

 many letters from individuals expressing appreciation of Doctor 

 McGee have reached the Committee. 



The resolutions and letters which have been received can not be 

 read tonight, but will find place in the commemorative volume which 

 will be printed later. There is, however, one letter which was re- 

 ceived from one closely and intimately related to Doctor McGee. 

 This letter contains so much of human interest that the Committee 

 has decided it should be read to you tonight. The letter came with 

 a statement that it might be edited to suit the desires of the Com- 

 mittee, but it is a document of such intimate personal relationship 



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