118 Biographical Sketch of Prof. Olmsted. 
causes not connected with its merits, ceased to be remunerative. 
A useful preparation of lard and rosin for lubricating peer 
was also invented by him some years ago, but never patented, 
and it has since, it is said, become an article of successful man- 
ufacture. 
fitted. His uniform kindness and oaglagt of demeanor, and 
i lent moral influence 
fidelity with which he encouraged and assisted any who exhib- 
ited special fondness for the studies of his department—will not 
soot be: 
closer friendship. Ebenezer Porter Mason was a pupil whose 
brilliant and versatile talents, and especially his rare attainments 
and promise in mathematics and astronomy, awakened in his 
instructor at once the liveliest and most affectionate interest; 
and on the death of this remarkable genius at the early age 0: 
twenty-two, Prof. Olmsted paid a tribute not less to his own 
kindness of heart than to the memory of his friend, in writing 
the excellent memoir of his life which was published in a duo- 
decimo volume in 1842. 
Besides the writings which have been named, Prof. Olmsted 
published, at different times, many elaborate articles of a scien- 
tific or literary character, in the leading periodicals of the day, 
particularly the American Journal of Science and the New Eng- 
lander, He was especially fond of biographical composition, and 
his memoirs of Dr. Dwight, Sir Hum beg Davy, Gov. Tread- 
well, Eli Whitney and Wm. C. Redfield, may be mentioned as 
favorable examples. 
In the later years of his life, Prof. Olmsted saw-much affliction. 
Besides his first wife, four sons, grown to manhood, uates of 
college, and giving fine promise of usefulness and distinction 
literature or science, were one after another taken from him, 
—filling his home with grief yet not destroying his cheerfulness 
or composure of mind. But he has now gone to his rest, am 
not alone his remaining family, but the wide circle of his friends 
and former pupils will cherish with deep affection his honor 
memory. 
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