BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE 
OF 
BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 
In performing the duty assigned me by the Academy, — 
that of preparing a memoir of a venerable and lamented 
associate, Professor Silliman, I have found myself embar- 
rassed on two accounts: First, for the want of that personal 
acquaintance without which it is difficult to apprehend cor- 
rectly those habits of thought and traits of character which 
it is my purpose to develop; and secondly, from being 
called upon to appreciate scientific labors out of my own field 
of study, and where I am little familiar with the details of 
scientific progress, and therefore specially liable to err. I 
am quite aware how inadequate any sketch of his character 
from me must seem to those who knew him well. Under 
these circumstances the rectitude of my intention will = 
haps shield me from the severity of criticism. 
The facts and dates which I shall have occasion to use 
have been derived to a considerable extent from an article 
under the word “ Silliman” in the “ New American Cyclo- 
peedia,” understood to be sanctioned by the intimate friends 
of our deceased associate, and from a commemorative dis- 
course of President Woolsey, delivered in the Central 
Church in New Haven, November 28, 1864. 
Benjamin Silliman was born on the 8th of August, 1779, 
in the town of Stratford (now Trumbull), in the State of 
Connecticut. He was the son of General Gold Selleck 
id 
