1888, ] 211 
[DuBois. 
The unusual developments in this remelting, the difficulty of obtaining 
homogeneity, led Prof. Booth to conclude that gold-copper alloys were 
unstable and subject to segregation. This was contrary to all past experi- 
ence ; and it is due to the scientific world to say that the theory was never 
accepted in the Assay Department nor (I believe) by the leading experts 
in the sister Mints of this country. Subsequent experiments show that 
Prof. Booth’s conclusions were based upon a misapprehension. The in- 
stability of standard gold-copper alloys has never yet been apparently 
demonstrated, much less proved ; and the theory must be regarded as un- 
tenable. But the difficulties alluded to were none the less harassing to 
the Melter and Refiner, and they workt upon him disastrously. 
It is often asserted that the civil service isa bed of roses. But Prof. 
Booth’s shattered constitution and rapid decline, while yet apparently pos- 
sessed of right to vigor and power, are but another witness to the peculiar 
wear and tear upon the minds and bodies of many public servants who 
honor their calling and give dignity and character to their positions. For 
two or three years past he had seriously contemplated resigning his office ; 
but it was not until August, 1887, that he could bring himself to sever the 
attachments of thirty-nine years. 
Since writing this, a private letter has been shown to me, written by Dr. 
Booth in October last. I make a few extracts, as follows: ‘‘The whole 
truth is, that the constantly increasing business of the Mint beyond its 
capacity for bullion storage has been increasingly weighing down my 
anxious thoughts for its safety, and you may add to that the consciousness 
that I was personally responsible for every ounce of bullion received, and 
then you will readily perceive sufficient ground for a constant anxious care, 
which I sometimes imagined to be as the square or cube of the extra 
quantity of bullion continually poured in. * * * It was that constant 
and constantly augmenting ounce-for-ounce responsibility that finally 
affected my mind, and I rather think brokeme down. I went home quite 
sick from the Mint early in April, and lay on my back for about three 
months. I suppose that such a statement will be quite sufficient to explain 
my present position. Iam glad to say that I had sufficient strength to 
resign from my place in the Mint, although no one is yet appointed to 
take my place. However, I do not go more than once a week to the Mint, 
and shall be glad when the string of union is severed. * * * From 
my age, over seventy-seven, I hardly expect restoration of full strength, 
and am satisfied with what Providence designs.”’ ‘ 
His resignation was to take effect on the appointment of his successor. 
But an office demanding such high trust as well as technical knowledge 
and practical experience was not easy to fill; and before a successor had 
been found, Death, on March 21, 1888, struck Dr. Booth’s name forever 
from the roll. 
He died peacefully. Faith lightened the burden of the last days of a 
career that has left a name worthily interwoven with the great fabric of 
the world’s onward and upward progress. 
