Biographical Notice of Haity. 368 
cessor in the Museum of Natural History. But Hatty was 
unwilling to receive a title without fulfilling the duties which 
it implied. He accordingly invited the pupils of the Nor- 
mal school to attend him at his rooms, and by amiable and 
diversified conversation, he initiated them into his secrets. 
His college life was thus agreeably renewed, he almost 
sported with the young people, and never sent ‘them away, 
without an ample collation. Thus passed his days. Re- 
ligious duties, profound researches, and acts of benevo- 
lence, particularly in relation to young people, occupied his 
whole time. As tolerantas he was pious, the opinion of others. 
never influenced his conduct towardsthem. As piousas he 
was faithful to his studies, the most sublime speculations 
could not divert him from any of the prescriptions of the 
ritual, and upon all worldly objects he placed just the value 
which they might be expected to hold in the eyes of a man 
penetrated with such sentiments. From the course of his 
pursuits, the most beautiful gems which nature produces 
came under his observation; and he published a treatise 
especially upon them, but without regarding them in any 
other light than as crystalline forms. A single degree, 
more or less, in the angle of a schor/, or a spath, would un- 
doubtedly have interested him more than all the treasures 
of the two Indies: and if any room can be found for re- 
proaching him with too strong an attachment to any thing, 
it was to his opinions on this subject. He devoted him- 
self to his theory, and when objections were made to it, a 
degree of impatience was excited, which troubled his re- 
pose. I: was the only occasion which could influence him 
to forget his inherent mildness and benevolence; and it 
must be acknowledged that this disposition was not without 
its effect. But at the same time that he was paying this 
tribute to the weakness of humanity, he was occupied with 
what he regarded as the true interests of science, and suf- 
fered himself to be vexed only by obstacles which, in his 
estimation, were opposed to the triumph of trath. 
Such services deserved a reward, and he was al 
different times pressed to make known what would be 
most agreeable to himself. All his views were limited te 
the request that he might be put into a situation to collect 
his family around him in order that they might take care 
of him during his age and infirmity. This desire was im- 
Vor. VIII.—No. 2. 47 
