43 



qualified observance of the strictest temperance pledge, 

 and it is not known that he ever, except as a child, tasted 

 any alcoholic liquors. He also had been trained to the 

 early New England strictness, in keeping holy the sabbath 

 day. In his various excursions and visits, his principles 

 on each of these points were severely tried, but in no 

 single instance did he in the least degree deviate from 

 them. Nor was this with him a matter of singularity or 

 a proud defiance of public sentiment. It cost him, on the 

 contrary, as appears from frequent reference to it in his 

 letters, a very great sacrifice of feeling. But it was a 

 question of duty, and he firmly did what he thought to be 

 right. And this was not without its reward, for he after- 

 wards had the satisfaction of knowing that his example 

 h^l a beneficial influence in two or three particular cases. 

 But, universally, Mr. Norton was a strictly conscientious 

 man, and the severity of his daily studies was never 

 permitted to interfere with his religious duties. 



Mr. Norton returned to this country in the spring of 

 1846, having first made a flying visit to the continent 

 with reference to pursuing his studies in some one of the 

 celebrated laboratories there. 



On Mr. Norton's return to this country, it was thought 

 important to secure the services of so able and valuable 

 a man to Yale College. Professor Silliman, Sen., with 

 his usual promptness in the cause of science, took the 



