Memoir of Dr. Douglass Houghton. 225 
points of a subject, and thus acquire a knowledge of its character 
and general bearings in a wonderfully short time. This is per- 
haps almost a necessary power of genius, that while ordinary 
minds are toiling laboriously to acquire the mass of heterogeneous 
materials in which truth is often involved, the former grasps at 
the great leading facts, and thus forms a base around which 
minor facts can be subsequently built up, by the cement of asso- 
ciation, until the structure is perfected. 
In moments of relaxation, Dr. Houghton’s mind turned rather 
to the ludicrous than the pathetic or ideal. Sometimes, with 
a singularly rapid transition, he passed from the contemplation or 
exposition of the most abstract truths of science, to the utterance 
of a jest. Of humorous stories he had a great fund, and was par- 
ticularly happy in his manner of relating them. What added to 
the charm of these comic episodes, was the interest he himself 
manifested in them. Nothing could be more contagious than the 
sudden hilarious laugh with which he welcomed any little piece 
of fun or frolic. It was irresistible, and would sometimes set a 
whole company into a roar, when few of them comprehended 
the cause of the universal merriment. Thus, though far from 
fluent, his sccial and conversational powers were of no ordinary 
kind—whether he drew upon his mind as a vast storehouse of 
useful knowledge, or for that fund of wit and vivacity which 
made him the delight of the convivial circle. 
In manner, Dr. Houghton was exceedingly courteous, never 
allowing the most pressing engagements to interrupt, in appear- 
ance at least, the cordiality with which he greeted a visitor. To 
the poor and even the low bred, he was ever affable and obliging. 
When such called at his office for advice or medicine, he never 
showed by his manner that he wished to be rid of them as soon 
as possible, and grudged the time or medicine he bestowed. On 
the contrary, he inquired, in a manner which such best can feel, 
after the various matters of health, family or business in whic 
they felt most interest, and when opportunity occurred, he did 
not fail to add more substantial proofs of kindness. Thus amid 
the high calls of duty and fame, these acts of private benevolence 
gained him as many warm friends among those who could little 
appreciate his public worth, as did his distinguished abilities 
among those who knew him only as a public man. 
How much importance he attached to a respectful demeanor 
in his intercourse with people, the following incident may illus- 
trate. Travelling once with a younger friend, they had occasion 
to enquire their road, when his companion called to a lad whom 
they met, addressing him as ‘boy.’ When they had passed on, 
the Doctor mildly corrected him, by saying, “ Always address 
such a person as ‘ young man’—it appeals to his self-respect.” 
