fate N AIL US. 
Vor. xu: OCTOBER, 1898. No. 6. 
WILLIAM HENRY DECAMP. 
BY BRYANT WALKER. 
Thirty-five years ago, Grand Rapids might fairly have been 
called the scientific center of Michigan. Through the energy and 
enthusiasm of a little group of men interested in natural history, the 
Kent Scientific Institute was organized, and a great deal of good 
work was accomplished in developing the fauna and flora of the 
western part of the State. 
Prominent among the founders of the infant institution were three 
men, who were particularly interested in conchology, and through 
whose efforts the richness of the molluscan fauna of Michigan was 
developed with a thoroughness that has few parallels in the States 
west of the Allegheny Mountains. 
The names of A. O. Currier, J. A. MeNiell and W. H. DeCamp 
will always be familiar to the students of Michigan who may follow 
their footsteps in the field of their favorite pursuit. 
By the death of Dr. DeCamp, which occurred on July 4th, the 
last of this little group has been called away from the activities of 
this life to “the unknown bourne.” 
Dr. DeCamp was born at Mt. Morris, Livingston County, New 
York, November 6, 1825. He received his medical education in 
the medical department of the University of New York and the 
Medical College of Geneva, New York, where he graduated in 1847. 
He at once entered upon active practice in his native State, where 
he remained for eight years. In 1855, compelled by failing health, 
