Ruschenberger.] 446 [Feb, 15, 
Academy to read in the library. I am very glad of it, and, 
especially, as he will there have the benefit of the refreshing 
atmosphere of that large room; and will enjoy the very best 
thing for him, not infrequent meeting with old acquaintances, 
and always find most congenial topics of conversation. I never 
shall forget the force with which, before I was well acquainted 
with Dr. Bridges, an assertion of Leidy one day struck me. 
Leidy said, he thought he had as much broad and general 
knowledge and accurate learning as could be found among us, 
and that he was a man of most sound and solid judgment. 
This I have found to grow upon my convictions of his mind 
and acquirements for the period of thirty-three years since 
Leidy spoke of him so sincerely and soundly.” 
His knowledge of natural history in general was extensive, 
accurate and always at command. He was a well-informed 
botanist, thoroughly versed in materia medica and chemistry, 
and a skillful practitioner of medicine. Naturally modest, 
almost shy, his manner to strangers was somewhat reserved, 
but cordial with his friends, all of whom regarded him with 
affectionate respect, because they recognized his perfect integ- 
rity, sincerity, extensive learning and good sense. 
In the annual oration before the Alumni Association of the 
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, March 18th, 1882, Mr, 
Frederick B. Power, spoke of him, as follows: 
“T cannot refrain from adding my tribute to the memory of 
him whose loss we have so recently been called upon to mourn 
—-the late Professor Dr. Robert Bridges. His faithful teach- 
ings, during an unparalleled period of service of nearly forty 
years, will long be held in grateful remembrance by those who 
were permitted to listen to his instructions, while his generous 
and noble nature, so beautiful in its simplicity, so approach- 
able and free from ostentation, had endowed him with attri- 
butes well worthy of emulation, and endeared him to his 
pupils by ties of affection which will be ever fondly cherished.” 
In his valedictory address to the graduates of the college, 
March 15th, 1882, Professor Samuel P. Sadtler said :, 
“The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy has just lost, in the 
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