Memoir of William Maclure, 389 



region is explored, every locality is anxiously searched for new 

 objects of utility, or new sources of study and instruction. 



In connection with these gratifying facts, it will be reason- 

 ably inquired, who were they who fostered the early infancy 

 of Science in our country ? Who were they who stood forth, 

 unmindful of the sneer of ignorance and the frown of preju- 

 dice, to unveil the fascinating truths of Nature ? 



Among the most zealous and efficient of these pioneers of 

 discovery was William Maclure. 



This gentleman, the son of David and Ann Maclure, was 

 born at Ayr in Scotland, in the year 1763; and he there 

 received the primary part of his education under the charge 

 of Mr. Douglas, an intelligent teacher, who was especially 

 reputed for classical and mathematical attainments. His 

 pupil's strong mind readily acquired the several branches of 

 a liberal education ; but he has often remarked, that from 

 childhood he was disposed to reject the learning of the 

 schools for the simpler and more attractive truths of natural 

 history. The active duties of life, however, soon engrossed 

 his time and attention ; and at the early age of nineteen 

 years he visited the United States with a view to mercantile 

 employment. He landed in the city of New York ; and 

 having made the requisite arrangements, returned without 

 delay to London, where he commenced his career of com- 

 mercial enterprise as a partner in the house of Miller, Hart 

 & Co. He devoted himself to business with great assiduity, 

 and speedily reaped a corresponding reward. In the year 

 1796, he again visited America, in order to arrange some un- 

 settled business of the parent establishment: but in 1803 we 

 find him once more in England, not, however, as a merchant, 

 but in the capacity of a public functionary ; for Mr. Maclure 

 was at this time appointed a commissioner to settle the claims 

 of American citizens on the government of France, for spo- 

 liations committed during the revolution in that country. In 

 this arduous and responsible trust, Mr. Maclure was associat- 



