whose finances embarrassed them in their collegiate course. Possessing so much benevolence, his public situation afforded frequent opportunities for exercising it, greatly to the benefit of the rising generation.'- -To these testimonies, the compiler, were it necessary, could subjoin his own, with the addition of many others.

"When any one of his pupils was taken sick, he immediately visited him, and supplied the place of a parent, by his tender sympathy, seasonable counsel, and assiduous attentions.

"Were any one of his Christian graces to be discriminated, it should, perhaps, be his humility; a virtue seldom attached to great intellectual talents, and to high stations; but which confers the truest dignity on both. His deep contempt of human pride, whether it betrayed itself in others, or was found lurking in his own bosom, is discernible in a passage, prefixed to his birth-day reflections: 'How absolutely contemptible is a man, glorying in some little eminency among his fellow worms; while, in com parison with the immensity of the universe, and in the view of superior spirits, and, above all, in the contemplation of GOD, he must appear noth ing, less than nothing, and vanity!""

A SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF YALE COLLEGE, IN CONNECTICUT.

[Prepared by Professor Kingsley, at the request of the Editor.]

[Concluded from page 40.]

THE Corporation, at their session in June, following the death of president Stiles, chose the Rev. Timothy Dwight, D. D., as his successor. This appoint ment was in entire coincidence with the expectations and wishes of the public. Dr. Dwight signified his accepta..ce of the presidency in August; and on the 8th of September, the day preceding the public commencement, he was inducted into office, with the same formalities as were observed at the inauguration of president Stiles. The Rev. Dr. Williams, of East Hartford, officiated, on both these occasions, as senior fellow.

At the same time that Dr. Dwight was chosen president of the college, the Rev. David Parsons, of Amherst, Mass. was chosen professor of divinity. Mr. Parsons declined this appointment; and the corporation, in September of the same year, elected the Rev. John Gemmil, of Pleasant Valley, in the State of Pennsylvania, to the same office. On Mr. Gemmil's declining the place, the choice of the corporation, in September, 1796, fell on the Rev. Charles Backus, D. D., of Somers, Conn. This election, was likewise unsuccessful; and as so much difficulty had been experienced in filling the professorship of divinity, by inviting to it clergymen who were connected with congregations, the corporation, at their session in September, 1801, adopted a new plan for procuring a divinity professor; and made choice of Mr. Henry Davis, a tutor of the college and a popular candidate for the ministry, with the expectation, that, before assuming the duties of his office, he would take such time as should be necessary to prepare himself for the station. Mr. Davis, from the failure of his health, was never inducted into the professorship.

Dr. Dwight, from the time when he took the presidency of the college, had at the request of the corporation, supplied the pulpit, and performed the other duties of a professor of divinity, with universal approbation, till September, 1805. At this time, the subject of the professorship of divinity was taken up by the corporation, and fully discussed; and by a unanimous vote of the fellows, and to the entire satisfaction of all interested in this matter, the president was 26

VOL. VIII.

requested to take the professorship of divinity in connection with the office he then held. When the vote was communicated to Dr. Dwight, he wrote in the records of the corporation his acceptance of the place; but he exhibited no additional confession of faith, and had no formal introduction to the professorship. The grant which was made to the college in 1792, of the residue of certain taxes, was encumbered with the condition, that fifty per cent. of what should be paid into the hands of the commissioners appointed for this purpose, should be subject to the future disposal of the legislature. The final adjustment of this matter had not taken place, when Dr. Dwight came into the presidency. It had been found, that to place the college on such a foundation as to meet the increasing demands of education, and the expectations of the public; more money was necessary, than the original grant contemplated. Accordingly, at the session of the legislature in May, 1796, the corporation petitioned for the relinquishment of the fifty per cent. The petition was powerfully supported in an address by the president, to both houses of the general assembly. An act was finally passed, by which the fifty per cent. was relinquished by the legislature, provided the college would pay into the State treasury a certain sum, amounting to somewhat more than thirteen thousand dollars. It may not be improper to add here, that this act of the legislature was very extensively unpopular, and many individuals who were active in procuring its passage, suffered in their political standing; whether to the honor or disgrace of Connecticut, posterity will judge. Dr. Dwight, on several other occasions, when the college asked for aid, addressed the legislature with great ability, but without success. A majority of the members would admit, that a strong case had been made out; but the act of relinquishment in 1796 was remembered, and “ the time for acting had not yet arrived."

As most of the grant of 1792 and 1796, except what was appropriated to the erection of the new college, had been invested in deferred stock of the United States, it did not become available till the year 1800; but every effort was made, as well before as after this time, to advance the interests of the college, which its means would admit. In the year 1798, as there was a small fund given by the Rev. Dr. Salter, of Mansfield, Conn., for the encouragement of oriental literature, Mr. Ebenezer Grant Marsh, was appointed "Hebrew instructor," to teach such graduates and undergraduates as might wish to acquire some knowledge of the Hebrew language. Mr. Marsh began to instruct in Hebrew, in November of that year. In 1801, the professorship of mathematics and natural philosophy, being vacant by the resignation of professor Meigs, Mr. Jeremiah Day, at that time senior tutor, was elected to this place. Mr. Day, in consequence of infirm health, did not enter upon this professorship till 1803. The same year, 1801, the corporation voted to institute a professorship of law. It was not their design to furnish undergraduates such instruction in this department, as might qualify them for the bar-a plan wholly inconsistent with the requisite attention to the other branches of the collegiate course-but to have occasional lectures read, "on the leading principles of the law of nature and nations; on the general principles of civil government, particularly of republican representative government; on the constitution of the United States, and of the State of Connecticut; "-" and also, on the various obligations and duties, resulting from social relations, especially those relations which arise from our own national and State governments."-A professional school in this department, if it should exist, was expected to be the private concern of the professor, or to be created by some subsequent act of the corporation. The Hon. Elizur Goodrich was elected to this professorship. He entered on the office of professor of law in 1801, and continued to lecture occasionally till 1810, when he resigned his place.

In the year 1798, some measures were taken for establishing a professorship of "chemistry and natural history;" but nothing decisive was done in relation to this object, till September, 1802; when the corporation voted, that such a professorship should be instituted; and Mr. Benjamin Silliman, at that time a tutor of the college, was elected the first professor. Mr. Silliman was inaugurated in 1804. The title of this professorship was afterwards changed; and is now the "professorship of chemistry and mineralogy."

The same year, 1802, the corporation voted to found a "professorship of languages," meaning the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages; and as no lectures on ecclesiastical history had been given since the death of president Stiles, and it was thought to be more probable that they would be resumed if the subject was kept in view of the public, "ecclesiastical history was added to the style of this professorship. It was well understood, that no individual could properly perform the duties which this professorship nominally imposed; but the design was, to divide these duties among other professors, as means for their support should be obtained. The first person elected to this place, was Mr. Ebenezer Grant Marsh, at that time tutor and Hebrew instructor. Mr. Marsh did not live to enter on this professorship. He died November 16, 1803, in the 27th year of his age. He was son of the Rev. John Marsh, D. D., of Wethersfield, graduated at Yale college in 1795, was elected Hebrew instructor, as has been already mentioned, in 1798, and tutor in 1799. Mr. Marsh studied Hebrew with president Stiles; and when he received his bachelor's degree, was thought to have made very uncommon progress in that language. He was much respected for his talents and acquirements, and his death was greatly lamented. In the year 1805, the corporation determined to fill this professorship, and for this purpose made choice of Mr. James L. Kingsley, at that time senior tutor. Mr. Kingsley was accordingly introduced into this office, with the understanding, that he was to perform certain duties attached to the place, and at the same time to continue in the business of a tutor. He acted as tutor till 1812. This professorship has since received several modifications, which will be noticed hereafter.

Many who were interested in the advancement of medical science in Connecticut, had for a long time wished, that there should be established, in connection with the college, a course of medical lectures, for the benefit of professional students; and some measures for this purpose were taken by the corporation as early as 1806. The board had full power by their charter to establish such a department; but as it was desirable to have the co-operation of the Medical Society of the State in whatever plan was adopted, negotiations were entered into with that body, in consequence of which an application was made to the legislature in October, 1810, and an act was passed regulating the joint action of the Medical Society and the corporation of Yale college in establishing and conducting a medical school. In 1813, four medical professors were appointed; Æneas Munson, M. D.* professor of materia medica and botany; Eli Ives, M. D. adjunct professor in the same department; Nathan Smith, M. D., professor of the theory and practice of physic, surgery and obstetrics; and Jonathan Knight, M. D., professor of anatomy. The professorship of chemistry in the college, made any new provision for this science unnecessary. The same year, the lectures commenced under very favorable auspices; and the legislature, at their session in May, 1814, made a grant to the institution of thirty thousand dollars, to aid in effecting its objects. From that time, the department has been in regular and successful operation.

The buildings of the college, likewise, as well as its means of instruction, were gradually increased. In the summer and autumn of 1797, Connecticut Hall was repaired throughout; and the fourth story of this edifice was raised, so as to correspond more exactly with that of Union Hall. In the year 1800, as the number of students had considerably increased, there being at the beginning of the college year 1800-1, two hundred and seventeen undergraduates, the corporation voted to erect a new building, on the same general plan as Union Hall; which building was completed in the summer of 1803, and called Berke

* Dr. Munson was far advanced in life at the time of this appointment, and never entered on the duties of the professorship. He was born in New Haven, June 24, 1734, and received his first degree at Yale college, 1753. After the usual preparatory study, he was for a short time a candidate for the ministry, but on account of feeble health, relinquished the profession of divinity for that of medicine. Possessing an ardent love of knowledge, and accustomed to observe, reason, and investigate, he was constantly advancing in professional science and usefulness; and, for more than half a century, sustained the highest reputation as a learned, devoted and successful physician. He was one of the founders of the Connecticut Medical Society, and for many years its president. Dr. Munson was highly respected, not only for his medical skill, but for his social, benevolent and religious character. He died in New Haven, June 16, 1826, having almost completed his ninety-second year.

ley Hall, in honor of bishop Berkeley, one of the benefactors of the college, The third story of the chapel, which had been used hitherto for the library and philosophical apparatus, was now much needed for the latter purpose, and for lectures on natural philosophy. There was likewise, great need of suitable recitation-rooms. Accordingly the corporation, at a meeting in November, 1800, voted to erect a building combining rooms for recitation, a library, and a chemical laboratory. This building was finished in the summer of 1803; and as some name was thought necessary, it was called the Connecticut Lyceum. The house which was erected for the accommodation of the president, in 1716, was so far decayed, that the corporation disposed of the old building, and the lands adjoining, and a new house for the president was built, north of the college edifices, which was completed in the autumn of 1799. The building used for college-commons, was in 1803, on account of the increased number of students, considerably enlarged.

Among other improvements in the condition of college, undertaken at the same period, was the enlargement of the library, and of the philosophical and chemical apparatus. In September, 1804, an appropriation was made for these purposes, and, in the spring of the next year, professor Silliman embarked for Europe to execute the resolve of the corporation. He returned in June, 1806, and besides accomplishing the immediate object of his mission, attended several courses of lectures in London and Edinburgh, to perfect himself in his own professional employment.

The collection of minerals belonging to the college, at the time when chemistry was first taught, was very inconsiderable; yet with the few which had been previously collected, and such as had been added chiefly from the vicinity of New Haven, instruction in mineralogy had been begun, and some interest in the science had been excited among the students. In 1807, a small, but very valuable cabinet of mineralogical specimens was purchased of Mr. Benjamin Perkins, who then resided in New York. Mr. Perkins was graduated at the college in 1796; and during a subsequent residence in England, having turned his attention to mineralogy, he collected a mineral cabinet of about fifteen hundred specimens, selected with great judgment, and for their number, exhibiting an uncommon variety of mineralogical characters. Afterwards the professor in this department, having become acquainted with the collection of minerals imported into the United States by Col. George Gibbs of Newport, Rhode Island, made an arrangement with that gentleman, by which about half of his cabinet, in the spring of 1810, was brought to New Haven, and opened in a room prepared in Connecticut Hall for this purpose. In the summer of 1812, in consequence of further negotiation, the remainder of Col. Gibbs's cabinet was deposited in the same place. The whole of this collection contained somewhat more than ten thousand specimens.

It deserves here to be added, that in all the improvements in the collegiate buildings, and in the enlargement of the means of instruction, the opinions of the president had great influence. The advancement of the institution he kept constantly in view, and he was ever ready, so far as its means allowed, to adopt any plan which promised to extend its usefulness.

Dr. Dwight continued in very vigorous health, and discharged with great ability the numerous duties which devolved upon him; when in the early part of the year 1816, he was attacked with a local disease, which made such inroads on his constitution, that his decline was soon obvious. He died in New Haven, January 11, 1817, in the 65th year of his age. The events in the life of president Dwight are so well known, from the biographical sketch prefixed to his theology, and from other publications, that it would be superfluous here to do any thing more, than to state a few of the prominent facts, and to note some leading traits of his character, more particularly in his relation to the college as president and professor of divinity.

Dr. Dwight was born in Northampton, Mass. in May, 1752. He received his bachelor's degree at Yale college in 1769. Three years after, when he graduated master of arts, he exhibited a "Dissertation on the History, Eloquence and Poetry of the Bible," which was published, and was considered an earnest of