OBITUARY NOTICES. 
465 
urement along the sandy beaches for the slow and expensive 
method of triangulation in vogue along the heavily timbered 
southern coasts. 
* While his strength lasted he was an indefatigable worker 
and student. In summer, early dawn found him at his 
books; in winter the rising sun put an end to his earty 
morning studies, and during the day his active mind found 
no rest. 
While carrying the evervarying burden of his official 
duties he found time to extend his sympathy, help, and wise 
counsel, for the two latter were much sought, to many per¬ 
sons in many ways, without as well as within his official 
sphere. 
He was a member of many scientific societies; at one time 
president of the American Association for the Advancement 
of Science; a charter member of the National Academy of 
Sciences, and one of the founders of this Society, the earlier 
proceedings of which contain evidence of his versatility and 
scientific activity. 
His life was in many respects burdened by misfortune, for 
of his four children three died young and only one lived to 
man’s estate and then died, leaving him childless and over¬ 
whelmed by grief at a time when a fatal disease had already 
begun its inroads on his mental and physical strength. 
This disease had seriously impaired his health when he was 
appointed to the superintendency, which, to use his own 
words, came “ too late.” He was conscious of his failing 
strength and ability while still occupying the position of 
superintendent, for on more than one occasion he gave ex¬ 
pression to the wish that the burden of his duties might be 
shifted to other shoulders. 
His retirement took place in 1885, and from that time on 
his lingering illness entailed great sufferings, and several 
times brought him to the point of death. From each of 
these attacks he rallied with less power of resistance until 
death relieved him of his sufferings, on May 8, 1891. 
0. H. Tittmann. 
61—Bull. Phil. Soc., Wash., Vol. 12. 
