JAMES SMITHSON AND HIS BEQUEST. H 



1825. Note to a letter from Dr. Black, describing a very sensible balance, 



vol. xxvi. New series, vol. x, p. 52. 

 1825. A method of fixing crayon colors, vol. xxvi. New series, vol x 



p. 236. ' 



Smithson's writings all exhibit clearness of perception, terseness of 

 language and accuracy of expression.* 



A trait of Smithson's character is exhibited in the allusions he makes 

 in his writings to other scientific men. His expressions are always 

 kind or complimentary, evidently not for the sake of flattery, but from 

 a sense of justice and truthful recognition of merit. He speaks of Mr. 

 Tenuaut as one " whose many and highly important discoveries have 

 so greatly contributed to the progress of chemical science." Abbo Haily 

 he refers to as one " so justly celebrated for his great knowledge in 

 crystallography, mineralogy," &c. "Tlie analysis we possess of na- 

 trolite by the illustrious chemist of Berlin," &c. 



Of Baron Oronstedt he says, " the greatest mineralogist who has yet 

 appeared." 



"A query from the celebrated Mr. Vauqueliu." 



"The celebrated Mr. Klaproth, to whom nearly every department of 

 chemistry is under numerous and great obligations." 



" M. Berzelius' elegant method of detecting phosphoric acid," &c.. 



"M. Werner, its principal and most distinguished professor," &c. 



Smithson died on the 27th of June, 1829, at Genoa, Italy. He was 

 buried in the Proteatiint cemetery, about a mile west of Genoa, on the 

 high elevation whic^h forms the west side of the harbor and overlooks 

 the town of Sam pierd arena. His grave is marked by a handsome monu- 

 ment. The base is of pale gray marble, 6 feet and a half long, 3 feet 

 wide, and 33 feet high. On the top of this is a white marble urn suit- 

 ably proportioned to the base. The lot is inclosed by an iron fence, with 

 gray marble corner posts. On one side of the monument the inscription 

 is as follows : ♦ 



"Sacred to the memory of James Smithson, esq., Fellow of the Royal 

 Society, Loudon, who died at Genoa the 20th June, 1829, aged 75 years." 



On the other side is the following : 



"This monument is erected, and the ground on which it stands pur^ 

 chased in perpetuity, by Henry Hungerford, esq., the deceased's nephew, 

 in token of gratitude to a generous benefactor and as a tribute to de- 

 parted worth." 



The announcement of his departure called forth expressions of regret 

 from prominent men of science, and as he had been an honored Fellow of 

 the Royal Society, its president. Sir Davies Gilbert, alluded to it on two 

 occasions. At the meeting of the Royal Society November 30, 1829, he 

 remarked, " In no previous interval of twelve months has the society 



*A Cow extracts from his pnblishod writings are given in the Appendix, Note 7. 



