THE 
AMERICAN GEOLOGIST 
Vol. XXVI. JULY, 1900. No. 1 
SIR JOHN WILLIAM DAWSON. 
A Brief Biographical Sketch. 
By Henry M. Ami, Geological Survey of Cauada, Ottawa. 
(Portrait). 
On Sunday, the 19th day of November, 1899, there passed 
away to his long rest, one whose name has been inseparabl}^ 
connected with the progress and advancement of geological as 
well as palaeontological research, in the Dominion of Canada. 
For a few years back Sir William Dawson's health began to 
fail as advancing years rolled on. The constant strain of a 
long life of intense activity and incessant labour, at last wore 
out the chords of life in his person. He died peacefully at 
his residence, 293 University street, Montreal, just as the first 
hour of the day of rest dawned, surrounded by his wife and 
constant companion and a number of his children. Sir Will- 
iam accomplished enough during his life, in the interests of 
education, science, and religion to satisfy any three hard- 
working individuals. He leaves behind him such monuments 
of industry and perseverance as few men do. The Peter Red- 
path Museum of McGill University alone is a monument 
which for ages will give food for thought to the coming gen- 
erations, both to students of the university and to the geolo- 
gists who seek to unravel the problems of geological science 
in the different portions of Canada, but more especially those 
of the maritime provinces, his native land. 
