OBITUARY NOTICES. 1x 
This position he held until 1885, when he was called to the direc- 
torship of the Sibley College of Mechanic Arts at Cornell Univer. 
sity. His work in both of these institutions of learning was most 
successful. It was characterized by great energy and executive 
ability. In 1873 Dr. Thurston was United States Commissioner to 
the Vienna Exposition. In 1875 he was appointed a member of the 
United States Board to Test Metals. In connection with this work 
he devised a machine for torsional tests, and made numerous inves- 
tigations in the Mechanics of Materials. 
In 1883 he published a work in three volumes, bearing the title 
The Materials of Engineering. Other books by him, such as the 
Handbook of Engines and Boiler Trials, Stationary Steam Engines 
and Boiler Explosions, have had a wide circulation. His JZanual 
of the Steam Engine, in three volumes, was translated into French. 
Some of his other publications are Friction and Lubrication, Fric- 
tion and Lost Work, The Animal as a Machine and Prime Motor, 
and Zhe Life of Robert Fulton. 
His contributions to scientific and engineering periodicals ran up 
into the hundreds. 
He was a member of many scientific societies at home and abroad. 
He was one of the founders of the American Society of Mechanical 
Engineers, and its first President. He was a Vice-President of the 
American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1877, 
1878 and in 1884. 
The scientific and engineering work of Professor Thurston was of 
great benefit to mankind, for he made engineers better scientists, 
promoted engineering education, helped to put engineering upon a 
higher plane, and was constantly watching to dispel the fogs of pre- 
judice by help of the truths of science. 
He was the recipient of the honorary degree of LL.D. from his 
alma mater, and of the degree of Doctor of Engineering from Ste- 
vens Institute. 
‘Tn all his relations to general University problems he exhibited 
the spirit of the scholar and the wisdom of the man of affairs. 
Serene in temper, sound in judgment, swift and certain in action, 
he justly exercised a weighty influence. 
‘As a colleague he exhibited an interest in all good learning and 
bespoke a good scholar and a general fellow-worker. As a friend 
and companion, he manifested a cordial sympathy that attracted all 
who knew him and held them in the bonds of an increasing affec- 
