62 



humor, mellowing the firmer and more serious parts of 

 his character. 



Professor Norton was a thorough student. He was a 

 model in this respect. His time was systematically 

 divided, and each portion scrupulously spent in its 

 allotted work. There were no idle moments; no waste 

 time. Whatever was to be done, was done at once. He 

 carried the prompt habits of a business man into his 

 study. It is a peculiarity which distinguishes student 

 life from a life of business, that it is possible much more 

 frequently to postpone the labors of the day to a future 

 opportunity. Every student forms plans of study, but 

 there are few who do not suffer them to be broken in 

 upon or frustrated. But we should as soon have thought 

 of the merchant postponing the payment of a note till 

 after banking hours, as of Professor Norton postponing 

 the allowed work of the hour to another time. Professor 

 Norton studied with the pen in his hand. No German 

 student could excel him in the diligence with which he 

 took notes of the lectures he attended, or recorded his 

 own observations on what he was studying. He com- 

 posed with great facility and in a good style, and was 

 fond of writing. He has left behind many volumes of 

 manuscripts. He was in every respect a scholar, tho- 

 rough, exact, and profound. 



