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ASTOR, LENCX AND
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ftLE MORIALS

JOHN PITKIN NORTON,

LATE PROFESSOR OF

ANALYTICAL AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY,

YALE COLLEGE, NEW HAVEN, CONN.

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\y ALBANY.

ERASTUS II. PEASE Sc CO.. 82 STATE STREET.

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

166302

ASTOR, LENOX AND

TILDEN FOUNDATIONS

1900.

J, MUNSELL, PRINTER.
ALBANY.

This collection of memorials has been published to meet the
requests, from many friends of the deceased, for copies of
Doct. Porter's Sermon, and other interesting notices called
forth by his death.

Several gratifying notices from various periodicals, are not
included, being similar, in tenor and general character, to those
selected.

memorials, &c.

< ♦ • •■ »

From ilie New Haven Journal and Courier.

PROF. JOHN PITKIN NORTON.*

This much lamented man died of a rapid decline,
Sunday, Sept. 5th, at U o'clock p. m., at the house of
his father, John T. Norton, Esq., in Farmington. Prof.
Norton was appointed, a few years since, by the corpo-
ration of Yale College, to a new professorship, that of
Chemistry applied to agriculture and the phenomena of
vegetable and animal life.

At two different periods, he passed nearly three years
in Europe, under eminent professors, and was diligently
engaged in preparing himself for the duties of his
appointment.

Returning in 1847, he began his courses of both theo-
retical and experimental instruction. A respectable
class of diligent and interested pupils was soon gathered
around him, and has been continued and increased in
all the successive years.

* From the pen of Prof. Silliman, Sen.

Prof. Norton has boon also much before the public,
bulli as a lecturer and an author, on the subjects which
he had cultivated, and so high was the estimation hi
which lie was held on account both of his talents and
attainments, that his etForts were sought tor in a distin-
guished city* of a neighboring state. In the desire to
meet that demand, and at the same time to fulfill his
duties in New Haven, he peribrmed winter journeys
twice weekly, week by week, during the late severe sea-
son, giving a lecture daily until his health failed in
the spring.

A southern voyage and a residence in Florida, in March
and April, gave his friends strong hopes that his health
would be restored, and he commenced his journey home-
ward with fair prospects ; but at Washington the mea-
sles arrested him, and his health, although at times im-
proved, has fluctuated from that time, and for some
weeks the hopes of his friends had been almost extin-
guished. His decline, towards the last, was very rapid,
but his Christian hope sustained and cheered him in his
closing hours, as it had been his solace and guide in
health.

His character was every way most estimable and
lovely, his manners mild and refined, and his conversa-
tion animated and interesting. He was eminently

* Albany, his native city.

happy in his social and domestic relations, and was sur-
rounded by every thing that could make life interesting
and valuable. By a mysterious providence he was cut
off at the age of 30, ere youth was gone, and in the
hour of decided success in his profession.

He had already made a strong and favorable impres-
sion on the public mind ; he had gained the confidence
of all, and promised a Jong career of usefulness.

Yale College, in the short period of five days, has been
deprived of two of its brightest ornaments — one in the
full maturity of years, learning, and honorable fame —
the other, in the bright morning of hope. The excellent
Gov. Treadwell and the late reveresfd senator Timothy
Pitkin, were lineal ancestors of Prof. Norton.

His funeral was attended on Tuesday afternoon, from
his late residence in Temple avenue.

New Haven, Sept. 8, 1852.

SERMON

OCCASIONED BT TJIK

DEATH OF JOHN PITKIN NORTON,

Professor of Analytical and Agricultural Chemistry in Yale College.
PREACHED IN PARMIMCTOIV, CONN., SEPTEMBER., 1853,

BY REV. NOAH PORTER, D. D.

SERMON.

'•'■and by it he being dead yet spcakelh." — Heb. xi, 1.

This is said of righteous Abel. Though cut off by
murderous hands, he yet lived and spoke, in the faith,
the remembrance of which remained. By faith, while
lie lived, he obtained witness that he was righteous,
God testifying of his gifts; and by it, being dead, he
spoke to survivors, who remembered him ; and through
the Scriptures he speaks to us, also, and to all men,
wherever the record comes, testifying to the excellence
of his faith in the sight of God, its overcoming power as
a principle of obedience, and its efficacy to justify and
save the soul.

In the same manner, other good men, by their remem-
bered or recorded examples speak, when their lips are
silent in death. The long list of worthies whose works
of faith are recorded tor our imitation in the Old Testa
ment, are spoken of by the apostle Paul as a great cloud
of witnesses compassing us about. They speak to us
through the Scriptures, testifying to the faithfulness of
God, and exhorting us, believing in his word, to lay

12

aside every weight, and run with patience the race set
before us. So, also, our personal acquaintances who
have died in the faith, and whose virtues are embalmed
in our memories, though dead, yet speak, exhorting us
to follow their example. Though gone from us, never
to return, they live, and seem to be present with us in
their accustomed scenes. They seem to speak to us in
those scenes, renewing and confirming the lessons of
wisdom, which they gave us, in word or deed, when they
were here, and to do this with new impressiveness, in
consideration of their end.

We ought then to heed their voice ; to call up the
remembrance of their lives, and consider what there
may be, by which they, being dead, yet speak. To aid
you in this, I have ocasionally sketched before you cer-
tain characteristics of some of our deceased friends, as
I have had the time and opportunity. I have done it,
not to eulogise the dead, but to benefit the living ; and
with this in view I would now remind you of some of the
more striking traits of character in our lately deceased
friend, Prof. Norton. He was yet in his youth — the
character of his childhood and youth is fresh in the
remembrance of many of us — he was loved by all of
us who knew him, and his death is greatly and very ex-
tensively lamented; and I wish to take advantage of
these circumstances of the event which we so deeply

13

deplored, to commend his virtues to your regard, and,
particularly, to the attention and imitation of the young-
men and lads who are coming up among us after him.
We can hardly realize that we are to meet him here no
more. It requires no stretch of the fancy, to imagine
his beaming countenance in his accustomed place in the
assembly, and his melodious voice joining in our songs
of praise. And though he is not here, and will no more
be, yet his footsteps are here, and it may be pleasant and
profitable for us to gather up those remembrances of him
by which he, being dead, yet speaketh.

1. His filial reverence. I mention this first, because
of all the amiable and hopeful virtues of youth this is
first developed, and contains the germ of every other.
"Honor thy father and thy mother (which is the first
commandment with promise), that it may be well with
thee, and that thou mayest live long on the earth."
How eminently both the precept and the promise here
commended to us were exemplified in our departed
friend, you who new him can tell. Although, indeed,
in respect to the number of his years, we mourn his
early death, yet, in respect to his amount of usefulness,
he lived long upon the earth ; and but for his filial
reverence, this had not been. Go back to his early child-
hood, and none of you remember a disrespectful word
concerning his father or mother to have passed his lips.
2

14

They know not, and I presume that none of you know,
an instance, since his childish days, in which he attempt-
ed to deceive them. Not only their commands, but their
wishes, were sacred in his regard ; and this, not only
when he was under their eye, but in their absence. Far
off, in a foreign land, and in years of maturity, it was
enough to withdraw him from any fashionable amuse-
ment or youthful gratification, to know or believe that
his father, if present, would wish him to abstain. My
young friends, I can not too earnestly commend his ex-
ample, in this respect, to your regard. Such reverence,
in a son of his father, is a fore-shadowing of the Christ-
ian's reverence of his God.

2. His accustomed cheerfulness. Cheerfulness beamed
in his face, thrilled in his voice, and diffused itself from
his buoyant mind over the circle of susceptible minds
around him. It was not levity ; it was not frivolity ;
and much less was it jovial sensuality. It was good
humour, and often, on fitting occasions, it was playful-
ness. He had a quick sense of pleasure from those
things which God made to give pleasure, and he loved
to interchange with others the pleasure that he felt.
This, no doubt, was founded partly in constitution ; but
thousands are of the same constitutional temperament,
who yet are too selfish or too anxious, to be cheerful.
He was also a favored child of Providence ; but thou-

15

sands on whom Providence lavishes its favors, yet,
through discontentment or distrust are unhappy. Cheer-
fulness is not, of course, a positive virtue ; but gloomi-
ness, amidst the multitude of God's mercies, is a positive
sin. Nor can you conceive how much you may add to
your own and others happiness, how much you may
lighten the burdens of life, and help them to bear theirs,
by cultivating the habit of mind which you can never fail
to associate with the memory of our departed friend, the
disposition to enjoy whatever in your lot is to be inno-
cently enjoyed, and to regard as lightly as you innocently
may, the evils that must be endured ; the disposition to
make the best of the present, and to hope, as far as God
permits, for the future.

3. You will remember his flow of kindness. The
cheerfulness, of which I have spoken, consisted in no
small measure of good nature. No malign affections or
envious feelings shadowed his brow, or saddened his
heart. Kindness was planted in .his nature, and over-
flowed in his words and deeds. The poor who were
around him enjoyed it. The servants who attended him
loved him for it. The early companions to whom he
rendered his little offices of friendship, attest it. Hard
drinkers whom he labored to save from ruin remember it.
He sought the happiness of all about him as he had oppor-
tunity, and in a pleasant way, in little things as well as
great, and in accommodation to their feelings, as well as

16

their necessities. For this you loved him, and in this I
exhort you to be like him. We were not made, each for
himself alone. We are mutually dependent, and an-
swerable to our dependence are the sympathies dispos-
ing us to mutual kindness. Were these always followed,
under the guidance of enlightened reason, and the dic-
tates of our moral nature, how would they increase the
amount of human happiness, how would they conform us
to the image of Him, whose glory it is to exercise loving
kindness and judgment and righteousness in the earth.
They are not holiness ; but under the light and power of
the gospel, through the Spirit, they lead to it, and with-
out them vain are all pretensions to it. " He that loveth
not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love
God, whom he hath not seen ? "

4. Sincerity, also, is a shining virtue in which he,
being dead,yet speaketh. I have already said, that one
who best knew him remembers no instance in which,
after he was old enough to act from principle, he inten-
tionally deceived him. We all, I presume, may say the
same. He made no false pretensions. He never said
Avhat he did not mean. He would not equivocate to
hide a fault, or compass an end. He was thoroughly
honest. He was to be trusted in any concern. And
how much is this to be said of any one ! Society is
founded in confidence, and confidence in sincerity. Did
the young men before me know how much their success

17

in life, to say nothing of their estimation in the sight
of God, must depend on their sincerity — their incor-
ruptible integrity — their so conducting themselves in
circumstances of trial, that those who know them shall
feel that they are implicitly to be trusted, they would he
less ambitous than most men are, of what they call the
gifts of fortune. Character is the main thing. It was
with Joseph. It was with David. It was with Daniel.
"Come, ye children," the voice of wisdom cries, "heark-
en unto me, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is he that desireth life and lovcth many days,
that he may see good ? Keep thy tongue from evil, and
thy lips from speaking guile."

5. His modesty was not less distinguished. You will
not mistake modesty for bashfulness, the timidity that
would unfit you to act as you feel, and utter what you
know. Our lamented friend was remarkably self-
possessed, and yet how very far he was from that im-
pudent boldness which can not blush, and from that
overweening self-estimation also which thrusts one into
positions unsuited to his condition or his years! His
powers early began to be developed — some of them, at
least, shone eminently for his years — and they shone
amidst his youthful modesty as a diamond set in pearls.
Some of you remember him, while yet in his minority,
addressing us in one of our Lyceum lectures, on the

18

habits of birds. You can not have forgotten what care-
ful observation, what comprehensive knowledge, what
lively fancy, what amiable feeling, and what powers of
description, the lecture discovered, and how much it ex-
cited our admiration ; and. none the less because it was
read with down-cast eyes and a trembling hand. The
grace which thus adorned his earliest youth was not
tarnished in his subsequent life. As years advanced, he
could not be insensible that his condition was above the
common rank; but he affected no superiority on that
account. Returning from abroad, where he had been
conversant with people of rank, and received from them
flattering attentions, he was, no less than before, conde-
seending to men of low estate. In his professional
course, rising at once into eminence — known, applauded
and sought for almost throughout the country — he yet re-
tained his simplicity of character and manners to the last.
I need not dwell on these things. I mention them, only
to remind you of what you must have observed, and per-
suade you to copy what you must have admired.

6. Nor was he less remarkable for his choice of worthy
objects of pursuit. From his early years, he had no
relish for low gratifications. It required no pains to
keep him from the smoking, chewing, drinking habits
into which so many lads eagerly run ; nor from the vul-
gar profaneness which they are apt to indulge — nor

19

from the places of idle resort which many of them so
unhappily frequent ; he sought higher enjoyments, a
Christian home, useful books, and good society. He had
an early thirst for knowledge; he read easily, rapidly,
with discrimination and reflection, and so remembered
what he read. He studied the book of nature, admiring-
it as the book of God, carefully observing the forms and
habits of beasts and birds and fishes and insects. He
treasured up his observations, and added to his stores
from books. It was his passion for natural history, that
seems to have led him to the choice of a farmer's life,
and to the studies that would best qualify him to pursue
it. His aim was not to be merely a farmer, but to carry
into the business of a farm, and the place in society
naturally connected with it, the varied and comprehen-
sive knowledge that would make both these pleasant, im-
proving and useful. For this purpose, he devoted his
winters to study, while his summers — some of them,
at least — were spent in the labors of a farm. Having
made a commendable proficiency in common learning
at home, he availed himself of some of the best advan-
tages abroad, in the study of the German and French
languages, of Chemistry and Natural and Moral philo-
sophy, of Astronomy, Law and Music, and this, while
he thought only of being a practical farmer ; and with
this prospect, he spent his nineteenth summer in the

20

independent management and personal culture of a part
of his lather's farm. I mention these things, not hecanse
it is to be expected, or desired, that the young men here
present should pursue exactly this course, but to shew
them the noble aim of one who was only a lew steps
before them in the journey of life, and while he thought
of the same occupation with theirs, and to stimulate
them by his example — though they may not have the
same advantages — to make the best use of such as they
have. The result in his case, you know. His acquisitions
in this country encouraged him to seek higher and rarer
acquisitions abroad ; and in consequence of these, in his
twenty-fifth year, he led the way in this country in one of
the most interesting and useful applications of science to
practical purposes which the age affords. Providence may
not have the same honor in store for you all, but its gifts are
not exhausted. Worthy objects are not few, not far off.
Seek, and you shall find. It was not by a single, happy
choice alone that he whose example now calls you to
this, was what he became. The useful and the good
determined his general aims. I may mention, as an
instance, that when he began to be extensively known,
and tempting offers were made him to a more lucrative
application of his talents and acquirements than he had
proposed, he adhered to his original purpose, as being
the more improving and useful. So, also, when he was

21

not dependent on his earnings for support, he chose to
eat his own bread; and when a friend proposed to make
him an honorary member of one of our benevolent soci-
eties, he thought it more honorable to be a member
— as he hoped soon to become — by his personal contri-
bution.

7. His choice of worthy objects led him to untiring
industry in prosecuting them. There is nothing great
without labor. Those who suppose, if any such there
are, that Professor Norton attained his eminence adven-
titiously, know not his years of study nor his intense
application; his nights, as well as days, devoted to
study ; and, in connection with his regular studies, the
multitude of letters that he wrote, the daily journal
which for twelve or fourteen years he kept, and the
stated contributions to periodicals that he made ; and
after his entrance on his profession, together with all
these, his courses of lectures, his private instructions,
his public addresses, and his printed works. He had his
recreations ; he enjoyed them. A favorite one we knew ;
but he adopted and continued it, merely as a recreation,
certainly, in his latter years, and had he indulged him-
self in it more freely, might not his invaluable life have
been prolonged ? In comparison of his industry with our
own, may not the greater part of us find ourselves re-
proved? How much was accomplished by him in the
few fleeting years allotted him! He seems, indeed, to

22

have been quite clear, not only of the absolute indolence
but the sluggish action and dreamy thoughtfulness, in
which so much of life is ordinarily wasted. Earnest in
purpose, strong in conception, exact in discrimination,
and careful and settled in his conclusions, he acquired
rapidly, he was fully possessed of what he knew, he
wrote freely and much, and moved on his ardent course,
steadily, safely, joyfully. He lived, while he lived.

8. Exceedingly to be admired also was his moral cou-
rage. It was indeed no remarkable proof of this, that
in his boyhood he adopted the temperance pledge ; nor
that while he was in this country he adhered to it; but to
adhere to it in foreign countries, and in circles of fashion
and distinction, where it is scarcely known, or known
only to be lightly regarded, was a trial of firmness which
it is difficult for the greater part of us duly to estimate.
It is common for men pledged to temperance in this
country, on going abroad, to remove their names from
the pledge. This our youthful friend would not consent
to do. It would seem like dishonoring his early educa-
tion. He was not unaware of the trial, but he made up
his mind to meet it, and he fully sustained the resolution.
At agricultural gatherings and public dinners, with the
farmers of England and Scotland around the table —
introduced to them by his honored teacher, as a young
American student and farmer, and called on to join them
in the customary glass — he stood firm in his dissent,

23

and yet so quietly and modestly firm as to shew that he
refused, not because he lightly esteemed them, but
because he could not be faithless to himself or the
cause to which he was pledged. In private circles as well
as on public occasions, and at the tables of the titled
and the great as well as at his proper home, the habit of
his life in this respect was too sacred to be broken ; and
though wondered at, and sometimes remonstrated with for
his singularity, his purpose was not changed. He would
not obtrude his opinions on others, nor censure them for
habits which he could not approve; and much less
would he take upon himself the office of a reprover of
those whose age and position in society demanded his
deference ; but neither would he forego his privilege or
deny his accountableness as a servant of God. The
same integrity marked his observation of the sabbath.
Whether at home or on a journey, he remembered the
day of sacred rest. In his journeys, he chose to stay
behind with strangers in a strange land, while his com-
pany passed on, rather than enjoy their society in viola-
tion of his own convictions ; and when others around
him freely gave and received visits of complaisance, on
the sabbath, as on other days, he could by no means
sacrifice his sense of duty to customs of civility. Such
firmness, however it may temporarily displease, it is
impossible to despise. There is, indeed, a self-willed

24
pertinacity which assumes its name, and is as unlovely
as it is troublesome ; but to be firm on any point because
so is the will of God, and to unite that firmness with " the
meekness of wisdom," as did the Apostles, when forbid-
den to preach in the name of Jesus, is the highest
victory which man can achieve. And this brings me to
remark :

9. That it was chiefly the piety of this beloved young-
man by which he, being dead, yet speaketh. This was
his crowning virtue, and gave to his other virtues their
highest excellence, the character of holiness. This raised
his filial reverence into godly fear; his constitutional
cheerfulness into spiritual joy ; his natural kindness into
Christian benevolence ; his honesty into godly sincerity;
his modesty into humility ; his elevation of purpose into
devotion to Christ; his habits of industry into diligence
in duty ; and his firmness into conscientious obedience.
This stamped his virtues with immortality, and made his
bright career on earth an opening into unfading glory in
heaven. " All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man
as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the
flower thereof falleth away. But the word of the Lord
endureth for ever, and this is that word which by the
gospel is preached unto you."

The word of the Lord first took perceptible and per-
manent effect in his mind early in the year 1838, at the

25

commencement of a revival of religion in this town,
when he was in his sixteenth year; bnt it was not till
the summer of 1841, that, as he supposed, he truly and
heartily yielded himself to God, in the faith of our Lord
Jesus Christ. The sudden death of a companion roused
him from his indecision to give his mind to eternal
things, and by the Holy Spirit, soon resulted in his con-
version, and the following autumn, in his public profes-
sion of religion, which ever since, at home and abroad,
in private and in public life, in his early and later rela-
tions, in the even tenor of a consistent, Christian life, for
these eleven years, he has maintained and adorned. Con-
versant as his studies led him to be with the laws
of nature, he did not overlook the God of nature, and in
his professional lectures, he was not forgetful of referring
his hearers to the manifestations of the Creator, in the
works of his hand, which he led them to examine ; and
their relations to him as the objects of his beneficence
and the accountable subjects of his government.

When he came to die, his religion did not fail him.
Just entering upon a profession to which he was enthusi-
astically devoted ; meeting in it with unlooked for appro-
bation and success, and seeing a boundless field of
research and discovery opening before him, we do not
wonder that he desired to live ; nor that, when he could
not but know the dangerous nature of his disease, he

26

was yet unwilling to believe that it would prove mortal.
Until a few days previous to his death, his hopes, and
probably the tenor of his thoughts, turned on living ;
still when told plainly that it was thought he would soon
die, he was not discomposed. " This is sudden," he said,
"and is it really so? does the physician think so?"
Being answered in the affirmative, he said, " then leave
me a little while to myself," — and closing his eyes he
seemed to give himself to reflection and prayer, till some
half hour had passed — when, turning himself to his wife
at his bedside, he exclaimed — " glorious immortality !"
and from that moment he manifested no further care for
life, or any thing pertaining to it, but with the tenderest
affection to all about him, and ardent breathings after
heaven, he waited for his departure.

With two or three reflections I shall conclude.

1. The Providence of God was remarkably manifested
in leading on our departed friend in his distinguished
course. Though more than most young men addicted to
forethought and system and perseverance ■ — his final
course was altogether aside from any original plan or de-
sign of his own, or any of his friends. The first design
concerning him was his education at college ; when this
was abandoned, it was, that he should become a farmer ;
and when first he went abroad to qualify himself as a
teacher, little did he, or others, suppose that while yet in

27

his youth, he would be so widely known and esteemed
both as a teacher and an author. And yet, now we see
that all the steps in his path, from his earliest years, tend-
ed to this, as though they were planned with reference
to it, and prosecuted with the exactest care. "Well did
the prophet say: "O Lord, I know that the way of man
is not in himself. It is not in man that walketh to direct
his steps." Well, too, does the voice of wisdom cry:
" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to
thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge
him and he shall direct thy paths." There is a Provi-
dence in the affairs of men, which we must be blind not
to see, and sottish to refuse devoutly to acknowledge.

2. The same Providence that conducted him in his
course of life, must be acknowledged in its termination
by death. The one of these involves the other. There
could be no divine hand in overruling the changes of his
life, that did not equally decide the last great change in
his death. We admire the goodness of the one. Let us
bow to the sovereignty of the other. " The Lord reigneth,
let the earth rejoice. Clouds and darkness are around
about him: righteousness and judgment are the habita-
tion of his throne." "He giveth not account of any of
his matters, and who will say unto him, what doest thou?"
It is for himself to explain the mysteries of his govern-
ment, and for us to wait, in submissive silence, the ap-

28

pointed hour, — knowing that his ways are right, and his
counsels wise ; that light is sown for the righteous, and
gladness for the upright in heart ; that whatever dark-
ness may for the present veil his designs, the cloud will
be removed ; it will be seen and confessed that he hath
done all things well.

Finally, this affecting death renews to us the admoni-
tion so often repeated of the vanity of man as mortal.
Only a few months since, there was scarcely a young
man in our country, whose condition the deceased would
have preferred to his own. Now, how changed, and but
for that which is above what flesh is heir to, how vain to
him now were the advantages, the acquirements, the
fame, and the virtues themselves, by which he was dis-
tinguished ! Blessed be God, there is a life, " unmeasured
by the flight of years. There is an inheritance incor-
ruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away." There
is a glorious conqueror, standing on the ruins of two
hundred generations, and proclaiming, "I am the re-
surrection and the life : he that believeth on me, though
he were dead yet shall he live. Whosoever liveth and
believeth on me shall never die." May you all aspire to
that nobler life. May you all believe in him who holds
out to you the heavenly gift. SiuTer no delay; for on
your immortal being hangs the dread alternative of eter-
nal life or eternal death. Trust not to youth, to health,

29

to a course of prosperity unbroken in the past, or to pros-
pects yet brightening in the future. Think of him who
had all these to lean upon and who now lies silent in the
grave. No, not silent ; for " being dead he yet speaketh ;"
and the accents are, "my days are past, my purposes
are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart." " Cease
ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils, for wherein
is he to be accounted of? " " Trust ye in the Lord for-
ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."
Amen.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

OF

JOHN PITKIN NORTON

BY

PROF. WILLIAM A. LAKNED,

OF YALE COLLEGE.

JOHN PITKIN NORTON.

From the New Eiitflnnderfor Nov., 1852.

Since the publication of our last number, Yale College
has been called to suffer a severe loss in the death of
Prof. Kingsley and of Prof. Norton. Our readers will
expect from us, we presume, some account of these
gentlemen, the one of whom was so well known from
his labors of fifty years in the cause of sound learning,
and the other from the promising commencement of
labors, which bid fair to be long protracted and extensively
useful.

The death of John Pitkin Norton is one of those events
of Divine Providence, which are designed as "trials of
faith," and tests of the infinite value of eternal hopes.
In the case of those who are removed from life, not un-
til they have completed their appropriate work, we mourn,
but not because we see plans unfinished, aims frustrated,
and the unity of life marred and broken. We miss the
friendly greeting, the trust of well-tried affection, the com-
munication of knowledge and counsel ; the habitual asso-
ciations of our lives are sundered, and we are saddened at
the natural suspension, only a suspension we may hope — of

32

the offices of love and friendship. But when those are
taken away who have made faithful preparation for the re-
sponsibilities of manhood, and have jnst commenced the
serious business of life, with the fairest prospects of suc-
cess, we mourn besides for plans broken off, labors un-
finished, hopes disappointed, affections crushed in the
bloom, and, in this reversal of the ordinary course of na-
ture, we can only bow with reverence before the mystery
of Divine Providence.

We attempt a memorial of our friend, not alone from
personal considerations, but on account of his pure moral
and Christian character, and also of the service, which,
in his short course, he rendered to his country, in the
earliest establishment, in our land, of a Collegiate School
of Agricultural Chemistry.

John Pitkin Norton was born at Albany, N. Y., July 19,
1822. In 1835, the family returned to its ancient seat in
Farmington, Conn., and he there received his early
education in the well-known school of Simeon Hart.
From an early period, young Norton was a student of na-
ture. For his was one of those minds, which have in
their original structure, a decisive impulse towards a de-
finite course of action — an inclination towards a parti-
cular form of development. This aptitude, however,
was not for the mere enjoyment of nature, a poetic im-
pulse simply ; it was rather a philosophical turn of mind,

33

which led him to the observation of Ihe material world,
and of the phenomena of animal and vegetable life. Ho
studied as well as enjoyed — he reflected as well as saw.
This disposition is sometimes misunderstood. An intense
but quiet interest, such as youth of a particular bent of
geninspossess, often produces an indifference to stndiesont
of a certain range. There is activity of mind enough and
power enough, but it is not manifested in the usual way. It
has been said of several men of great genius, that they were
d all in youth. This we apprehend is a mistake. Such are
merely inactive where others are active ; the stream flows,
only not in the usual channels, and all the deeper for
flowing by itself. That boy is not inactive, a mere idler,
who lies upon the ground by the hour, watching the spider
spin its web, or the insect wing its flight, or even tho
worm trail its way on the slime. He is not an idler who
follows the bee in its industrious toils, and the birds in
their busy pleasures, to learn their ways of life. He is
not an idler, who gathers the pebbles and the crystal
stones, not as playthings to be admired, but as objects to
be arranged, and somehow put into classes. Mr. Norton
belonged to this order of minds. He had an original
genius for natural science ; he took an absorbing pleasure
in the observation of natural objects. We were much
interested in an account of his first scientific study,
which we received from Theodore Dwight, Esq., of New

34

York, who had the direction of his studies the first winter
he was sent from home to school. Mr, Dwight says :
" In my first interview with John, I found he had a de-
cided aversion to every branch of study, especially Latin
and Greek. I sought for some pursuit in which he might
feel some interest, but went through the whole range of
sciences and literature without success, when at last I
mentioned mineralogy. There I found him alive, and
willing to answer questions, and I soon learned that he,
for two years or more, had appropriated his money to the
purchase of minerals, and had a large collection. I in-
quired anxiously how he had arranged them ; and he re-
plied that he had made three attempts to arrange them,
according to their colors and names, and had found that
they could not be classified by anybody. I assured him of
the contrary, and told him that the proper principle was
that of their composition. He immediately inquired how
any person could know what stones are made of. I ex-
plained, in a simple manner, analysis and synthesis, and
promised him that he should begin the next day to de-
compose minerals, and (what pleased him more, although
he did not half believe it possible) compound and form
some himself." Henceforth, there is no want of interest
in his studies ; and from the hour of this conversation,
he became one of the most hard-working scholars of his
time. A certain modesty of disposition, and a diffidence

35

of himself, which was increased by his inaptitude to the
ordinary studies of the schools, had hitherto hindered the
free, natural development of his powers; and he did not
get upon the right track, till the sagacity of Mr. Dwight
pointed it out, and set him forth upon it.

Tt had been determined he should be a farmer. It
was his own choice, and his father had readily acquiesced
in it, although very wisely making it a condition of his
assent, that he should be educated for that business. It
may seem strange that we give prominence to this cir-
cumstance. But a specific education for the pursuits of
the agriculturist, on a broad scale, was a thing almost
unknown at that time in this country, and if it is more
common now, it is in great part owing to this very ex-
ample. This education was to be no superficial one ; it
was to be both practical and theoretical. The summers
were to be spent in work, and the winters in study. We
will draw out the course of his education a little in de-
tail, as we think it a very good one, and it may suggest
valuable hints to others. The farming season of 1838
was spent with E. C. Delavan, at Ballston Centre, N. Y.,
who had an extensive farm, worked by intelligent Scotch
laborers, with whom he was employed almost constantly.
The fall and winter of 1838-39 was passed in Albany,
studying French, mathematics, music and drawing.
The working season of 1839 was spent on his father's

36

farm in Farmington, and the following winter in Brook-
lyn, N. Y., under the direction of Mr. Dwight, to which
we have already referred. The next summer (1840) was
spent in Farmington, in work on the farm, and the fol-
lowing winter (1840-41) in New Haven, attending lec-
tures upon chemistry, mineralogy, and natural philoso-
phy. We must not omit to mention also, that he attended
the lectures of Dr. Taylor, on theology, for, though it
is a part of an agricultural education which might be
omitted, it seems like going back to a better age, to be-
hold the science of theology brought within the range
of the studies of a well educated man. Mr. Norton
made this year his first public effort. He delivered a
well written and interesting lecture before a Lyceum, in
the place of his residence, upon the subject of birds, and
defended their cause so well, as to secure the passage of
a law, at the next town-meeting, for their protection.
The summer of 1841 was spent as usual on the farm, and
the winter (1841-42) at New Haven, in the laboratory
of the Professors Silliman. The next summer (1842) was
passed at home, and the following winter (1842-43) in
Boston, where he attended courses of lectures on chem-
istry and anatomy, and also the lectures of Doct. Harris,
on entomology, and of Prof. Greenleaf, on law. The
summer of 1843 was spent in Farmington, and this sea-
son he took the entire charge of a portion of his father's

37

farm, trying the experiment of farming on his own ac-
count. The winter of 1843-4 was spent in New Haven,
again in the Yale College laboratory, under the instruc-
tion of the same distinguished teachers.

The extensive course of study which Mr. Norton had
been pursuing for the past six years, had opened before
him a new and wide field of usefulness. He felt the ne-
cessity of a more specific course of agricultural educa-
tion than could be obtained in this country, and he de-
termined to prepare himself to become an instructor in
Agricultural Chemistry. This was done with no ambi-
tious views of attaining to any higher distinction, but
solely with the purpose of making himself more useful
to the agricultural community, whose interests he had
identified with his own. Agriculture was the first pur-
suit that strongly awakened his feelings, and the promo-
tion of its interests was the ruling purpose of his life.
Rarely have the powers of any individual been more ex-
clusively devoted to one great end, than were those of
Mr. Norton to agriculture.

Having determined to prepare himself to give instruc-
tion in agriculture, he resolved to make that preparation
as complete as possible. All his plans in this respect
were fully approved by his father, who from the first had
taken the most enlarged views on this subject. After

due inquiries, he decided to go to Edinburgh, and an ar-
4

38

rangement was made by Prof. Silliman with Prof. Johns-
ton, the distinguished professor of ehemistry, in the la-
boratory of the Agricultural Chemical Association in
Edinburgh, to receive him as a pupil. He left this coun-
try in the spring of 1844, and remained in Edinburgh
till the spring of 1846.

Mr. Norton was well prepared to take advantage of the
valuable instructions now within his reach. He had
been a diligent student for six years — a period sufficiently
long to have carried him through a collegiate and almost
a professional course of study ; for the interruption by
the labors of the summer, would not amount to much
more than the usual vacations in college and professional
schools. He was quite well acquainted with the French
language, and could read German with ease. He had
enjoyed the best instruction in chemistry which the
country afforded, and was, indeed, already a good prac-
tical chemist. He felt too that he was now entering upon
an extensive field of usefulness — that he was laboring in
the service of his country — and that on his return, he
would possess a power for good within his sphere which
would perhaps belong to no other one of his countrymen.
He entered upon his studies, therefore, with the greatest
enthusiasm. He spent all the working hours of the day-
light— from nine o'clock in the morning till six in the
afternoon — without interruption, in the laboratory, while

39

the evening till midnight uniformly, and often later, was
devoted to reading in French, to chemical studies, writ-
ing for agricultural journals at home, in addition to the
journal which he kept for many years, and the long
family letter which was weekly forwarded to his home.
And we hesitate not to say that this correspondence and
journal, if they were to be published, would make as
interesting and instructive a volume of foreign resi-
dence, as any one that has been published by our coun-
trymen. Such was the ardor with which he prosecuted
his chemical researches, and so closely did he confine
himself to his single pursuit, that even the romantic
scenery around Edinburgh and the neighboring places,
famous in song and story, could not draw him from the
laboratory. It was not till the arrival of a friend from
America, that he visited the objects of interest in Edin-
burgh and its environs. Nor did this devotion to his
studies arise solely or mainly from the ambition of dis-
tinction. It sprang from a higher principle, a principle
of duty, which ever controlled him. " It seems to me a
duty," he said, in writing to a friend, " to keep one ob-
ject in view — diligently to improve the extraordinary ad-
vantages of my situation. This can only be done by
withdrawing my attention from other objects, and devot-
ing every faculty to this alone. I feel sure that I am fast
laying up a store of knowledge, that under the pro-

40

vidence of God, will make me to be of much use in my
own country. The field opens wider and wider as I ad-
vance, and I often feel discouraged at the mountain of
labors which rises before me." These were not idle
words. They meant all that they express. We have
never known the man whose conduct was more governed
by a sense of duty.

These unremitted labors were not without their results.
Mr. Norton soon attained to great accuracy in his expe-
riments, and his analyses could be entirely relied on as
faithfully made. He shunned no toil, he concealed no
mistakes. If any analysis did not come out as it should
have done, he knew not the art of conjecturing what the
figures should have been, but went over with the work
again. His progress was such, that Professor Johnston
advised him to prepare papers for the British Association,
which he did. Two papers of his were read at the meeting
of that body in Cambridge, and were well received.
By the advice of the same judicious instructor and friend,
he entered into a very minute analysis of the oat.
These investigations cost him the labor of almost eighteen
months, and when they were completed, the memoir
was presented to the Highland Agricultural Society, and
received the prize of fifty sovereigns, which it had offered
for the best essay on the subject. We can not give to the
uninitiated anything like an adequate conception of the
labor expended upon these researches. We may say in

41

general, using the language of the Journal of Science, in
which the memoir was republished, that "commencing
with the young plant, he followed it through its success-
ive stages of growth and development to its maturity.
The results are presented in thirty-nine tables, containing
hundreds of accurate and minute analyses, giving the
composition of the oat from the different parts of the
plant, separately, viz : the leaf above and below, the
stalk, the knots, the grain, &c, besides the organic con-
stitution of the grain " This is by far the most thorough
examination of the oat which has ever been made — and
his labors possess the advantage that subsequent inquirers
may implicitly rely upon them, and begin where Mr.
Norton left off.

But beside the scientific labors of the laboratory, Mr.
Norton made many agricultural excursions in company
with Prof. Johnston, into different parts of Scotland and
England, in which they examined the best cultivated
farms in the kingdom. Mr. Norton's personal experience
in farming, enabled him to turn these visits to the great-
est advantage. He also attended agricultural festivals,
and was called up for speeches at the festive boards.
Full accounts of these expeditions were published in the
Albany Cultivator, of which he was a regular correspond-
ent during his residence abroad. His opportunities in
this respect were unsurpassed, and the practical know-

42

ledge which he thus gained of Scotch and English farming,
he applied with great judgment to the different circum-
stances of agriculture in this land. For the great
advantage accruing to him from these expeditions, he
was indebted to Prof. Johnston, by whose means he was
introduced into the society of agriculturists, which
would not usually be accessible to young students from
abroad. Indeed, we can not leave this part of our subject,
without expressing the gratitude which the friends of
Mr. Norton feel, and which we know he always felt, to
Prof. Johnston, for the fidelity with which he directed
and watched over his studies, for the kindness which he
manifested towards him in the social relations of life, and
for the interest which he took in his reputation and suc-
cess as a man of science.

While in Scotland, Nr. Norton worshipped in the Free
Church, and rejoiced in the enthusiasm and martyr-like
spirit, which accomplished that wonderful movement.
He heard most of the distinguished preachers of that
church. Sunday was ever to him a day of enjoyment,
and though a stranger to his fellow- worshippers, he was
always present at church, joining his voice with the
congregation in their praises of God. Mr. Norton returned
with a very high estimation of the Scotch people. In
one respect, however, he found himself not a little at
variance with them. He had grown up in the most un-

43

qualified observance of the strictest temperance pledge,
and it is not known that he ever, except as a child, tasted
any alcoholic liquors. He also had been trained to the
early New England strictness, in keeping holy the sabbath
day. In his various excursions and visits, his principles
on each of these points were severely tried, but in no
single instance did he in the least degree deviate from
them. Nor was this with him a matter of singularity or
a proud defiance of public sentiment. It cost him, on the
contrary, as appears from frequent reference to it in his
letters, a very great sacrifice of feeling. But it was a
question of duty, and he firmly did what he thought to be
right. And this was not without its reward, for he after-
wards had the satisfaction of knowing that his example
had a beneficial influence in two or three particular cases.
But, universally, Mr. Norton was a strictly conscientious
man, and the severity of his daily studies was never
permitted to interfere with his religious duties.

Mr. Norton returned to this country in the spring of
1846, having first made a flying visit to the continent
with reference to pursuing his studies in some one of the
celebrated laboratories there.

On Mr. Norton's return to this country, it was thought
important to secure the services of so able and valuable
a man to Yale College. Professor Silliman, Sen., with
his usual promptness in the cause of science, took the

44

matter in hand, and appearing before the corporation, at
their annual meeting, at commencement, in 1846,
presented the importance of having such a professorship
in some way connected with the college. This proposal
was made at a most fortunate time. It had long been
the wish of the college officers to have a department, in
which some of the collegiate studies, such as philosophy,
philology, pure mathematics, and the like, might be
prosecuted by graduates under systematic instruction,
and in which also, not only graduates, but others not
graduates, who should be properly qualified, might be
trained to fulfill in a manner creditable to the country,
the office of the civil engineer, of the scientific miner and
geologist, of the scientific agriculturist, and the like ;
thus furnishing society with a body of highly educated
men, in its various departments, and introducing in fact,
new liberal professions among the learned professions.
This movement in behalf of the physical department, fell
in with this long cherished desire ; the matter was dis-
cussed on general principles ; and from this discussion
arose what has since been called, The Philosophical
Department of Yale College. As we regard this movement
one of great importance to the college, and to the country,
and as Mr. Norton was the founder and architect of one
of the most important branches in this department, we
have thought it best to put on record all the documents
relating to this subject.

45

The first document is the resolution of the corporation,
establishing two new professorships, passed August 19,
1846:

Whereas, it has been represented to this corporation, that a benefactor
of the college proposes to give five thousand dollars for the endowment
of a Professorship of Agricultural Chemistry, and of Vegetable and
Animal Physiology, provided that twenty thousand dollars be raised for
that purpose:

Resolved, That there be established in this college, a Professorship of
Agricultural Chemistry and of Vegetable and Animal Physiology, for the
purpose of giving instruction to graduates and others not members of the
undergraduate classes: and that the corporation will now proceed to
elect a professor of those branches of science, that while efforts to
complete the endowment are in progress, he may devote himself to studies
preparatory to his entering on the duties of that office — it being under-
stood and provided that the support of this professor is in no case to be
chargeable to the existing funds or resources of the college.

Resolved, That there be also established a Professorship of Practical
Chemistry, for the purpose of giving instruction to others than members
of the undergraduate classes, in respect to the application of chemistry,
and the kindred sciences, to the manufacturing arts, to the exploration of
the resources of the country, and to other practical uses; and that a
professor be now appointed to that office, whose compensation, till other
provision can be made, shall be derived exclusively from fees for instruc-
tion, and for other services.

Resolved, That President Day and Professors Silliman, Kingsley,
Olmsted, Woolsey and Salisbury, be a committee to report at the next
annual meeting of the corporation, or at any intervening meeting which
may be convenient, their opinion of the expediency of arranging under a
distinct department of the university, those courses of instruction which
are or may be given to others than members of the undergraduate classes,
and which are not included in the departments of theology, law and
medicine, and that if in their opinion such a department is expedient,
they report such arrangements and regulations as may be requisite for
the full organization of the department.

46

These two professorships were filled by the appoint-
ment of Mr. Norton to the former, and of Mr. Benjamin
Silliman, Jr., to the latter. Instruction in these profess-
orships was postponed till the year following. We may
remark that Mr. Norton did not accept a professorship in
Vegetable and Animal Physiology, although his name
appears as professor of those branches in the college
catalogue of that year.

We give next the report of the committee, whose ap-
pointment is recorded in the preceding resolution. It
was presented to the corporation, August 19th, 1847, and
accepted :

" The committee appointed by the corporation of Yale College, to
consider whether it is expedient to form a fourth department in this col-
lege, for the instruction of other than undergraduate students, beg leave
to report:

That in their judgment it is expedient to form such a department, and
that for several reasons. Some of these reasons are:

1. That there is a demand on the part of our graduates and others,
for instruction in particular lines beyond what is wanted, or can be given
in the college course.

2. We have several endowed scholarships for graduates, and are
likely to have more ; and the advantages arising from these endowments,
will be greatly increased by having instructions provided for the scholars
upon them, and not leaving them to themselves.

3. From time to time new branches of study are called for by the
public; which if introduced into our undergraduate course, would greatly
crowd it and interfere with its object as a course of training for the mind.

4. It is believed that students resident here for the purpose of pursu-
ing a specific branch will be industrious, and will have a good effect in
promoting the spirit of study among the undergraduates.

47

5. We have at present the materials of such a department here on the
ground. It is believed by your committee, that some system introduced
into them, will greatly add to their usefulness.

Your committee being also charged with the duty of reporting regula-
tions for the organization of said department, should it be judged ex-
pedient to form one, beg leave to report the following:

1. There shall be a fourth department of instruction for other than
undergraduate students, who are not in the departments of theology,
medicine, and law, to be called the Department of Philosophy and
the Arts. The department is intended to embrace philosophy,
literature, history, the moral sciences other than law and theology,
the natural sciences excepting medicine, and their application to the arts.

2. Instruction in this department may be given by professors not
belonging to the others, by professors in the academical departments,
and by such others as the president and fellows may approve. But no
second course of lectures on the same branch may be given, without the
consent of the previous lecturer.

3. All graduates of this or other colleges, and all other young men
of fair moral character, may be allowed to pursue such studies included
in this department as they may desire. But dismissed students of this
or other colleges, and undergraduate students, without express leave of
the academical faculty, shall not enjoy the privileges of this department.

4. The instructors in this department may make such arrangements
as it respects remuneration for their instructions, as they may think
proper.

5. The faculty of the department shall consist of the president, and
such professors as are actually engaged in the instruction of the depart-
ment ; and regulations passed by the faculty, and approved by the cor-
poration, may be the regulations of the department."

It will be noted that there was no provision made for
conferring degrees in this department, as is done in the
departments of law and medicine. This was postponed
for farther consideration. We will here anticipate the
course of events, and present the doings of the corpora-

48

tion in establishing the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy,
in this department. Through the influence and exertions
of Professor Norton, a petition was presented to the
corporation for the establishment of such a degree, at
their meeting in July, 1851. A committee, consisting of
President "Woolsey, Dr. Day, Professor Kingsley, and
Professor Norton, was appointed to confer upon this
subject, and to report at the next annual meeting. The
following is the report :

The committee appointed last year to prepare rules for giving degrees
in this department, if they should deem the giving of such degrees
expedient, report the following rules:

1. Students in this department of the age of twenty one years, who
have resided at the college two years, and have pursued their studies
for nine months in each year, may receive on examination the degree
of Bachelor of Philosophy.

2. The examination shall embrace, at least, three branches of study,
and a certificate of the examiners must be produced to the effect, that
the examination in each branch has been satisfactory.

3. This examination in the case of students in the physical sciences,
shall embrace two departments of physical or mathematical science, and
either the French or German language.

The fee for graduation shall be the same as for Bachelors of Arts, or
Bachelors of Laws, whereupon, voted to adopt the foregoing as rules,
under which degrees in this department shall be given.

In the consideration of this subject, the committee had
the advantage, it is proper to remark, of the experience
of Harvard and Brown, where degrees of this kind had
already been established. The degrees were conferred

49

at Yale, for the first time, at the commencement, in
July, of the present year.

AVe would call the attention of our readers to two or
three points in the establishment of this new department
in the college.

In the first place, it was put upon the same basis as the
professional schools of theology, law, and medicine,
and is to be regarded as a fourth professional school. It
was intentionally separated from the college proper, or
the academical course of instruction. The principle,
laid down in the reports to the corporation, written by
President Day and Professor Kingsley, on the subject of
the study of the classics, that a collegiate education is
merely a preparation for a professional education, a
general course of study fitting the student for any specif c
course which his chosen pursuit of life may require, and
that the two should not be intermingled, was strictly
observed. Pains were taken not to introduce any partial
or half-way system of education into the four years
collegiate course. It was hoped, on the one hand, that
there would be some, as there have been, who would
become professional scholars in the departments of
philology, philosophy, mathematics and the like ; and,
on the other, that there would be a large number of
graduates, who would prepare themselves, by a strictly
professional course of instruction, for those pursuits of

50

life, other than theology, law, and medicine, which
require a peculiar education. This has been the case to
some extent, and the tendency in that direction is
increasing. It is beginning to be felt that college
education, in the discipline of the powers and the
balancing of the faculties of the mind which it gives,
not only does not disqualify, but lays, in general, the
best foundation, for the after education of the scientific
farmer, of the enlightened merchant, and of men in the
various departments of active life, which manufactures,
rail roads, mining, and the like, open to the educated.

In the second place, the establishment of this new
department recognized the fact, that there are very
many in the community, who for various reasons, can
not go through with the preparatory studies in a
collegiate course, and was intended to give such the best
opportunities possible for their professional education.
The age (twenty one) which the degree of Bachelor of
Philosophy requires, shows that it was regarded by the
corporation as a testimonial of a completed preparation
for the active duties of life — as in the case with the
degrees in law and medicine.

Finally, in the institution of this new department, the
corporation of the college proceeded with cautious steps,
and with a wise foresight of the necessities of education
in our land. Schools of physical science might be dis-

51

sociated from the university, as is sometimes done. We
think, however, that in connecting the departments of
agricultural chemistry, of chemical analysis, and of
civil engineering, with the general department of
philosophy, and making the whole one of the pro-
fessional schools connected with the college, the
corporation have acted with the wisdom which has
uniformly characterized their proceedings. It places
the interests of the higher education of our land in the
hands of those who will give to it an elevated and liberal
character. In all these views of the corporation Prof.
Norton fully acquiesced. Indeed, his own education,
(of which the corporation had expressed their estimate,
by conferring upon him the honorary degree of Master
of Arts,) had been of too liberal a kind — in point of time
equal to the full academical and professional course, and
in point of acquisition and discipline not inferior to that
of our first scholars — to permit him to wish for a low
standard. It was entirely accordant with his wishes,
that the requisitions for the degree in this department
were made high.

Mr. Norton returned to Europe in the fall of 1 846, and
entered the laboratory of Mulder, at Utrecht. His
progress here was rapid and satisfactory. He went
forward in his analyses with somewhat of the confidence
of a master, and he frequently speaks in his letters, with

52

enthusiasm, of his " beautiful results." He pursued his
researches here with the same laborious diligence as at
Edinburgh, often being in the laboratory twelve or
fourteen hours a day, and reserving the hours of the
night, till after midnight, for the study of German and
Dutch, for writing for the Cultivator, and for his
extensive correspondence with his family and friends.
He was again very fortunate in his teacher. Mulder
took a great interest in his success, and devised and
forwarded useful plans of study for him. During his
residence there, he made an agricultural excursion
through North Holland, to become acquainted with the
practice of farming in that region. He returned in July,
1847, having been with Mulder nine months.

Mr. Norton had now completed his education, and
was prepared to enter upon the serious business of life.
He commenced his duties as professor in the fall of
1847. He was married to Miss Elizabeth P. Marvin, of
Albany, N. Y., in December of the same year, and
having the means of living in a liberal and elegant
manner, soon became a householder, and took his part
in all the duties of social life. Universally esteemed in
society, beloved by all who knew him, and uncommonly
happy in his own home, he began life with the fairest
prospects.

The philosophical department, as we have already

remarked, embraces several branches of study. Most of
these had for some years previous, been more or less
pursued by a i'ew of the graduates of the college, and by
others. Some had studied philology, philosophy, and
mathematics ; there had been several scholars in the
laboratory. The only effect of the establishment of the
new department as to these, was, to give more system
to the instruction. There were no new professorships in
them. The professorship of practical chemistry was a
new one, and would have become an important depart-
ment, had not Prof. Silliman, Jr., been early called away
to a wider field, in the Medical College, at Louisville,
Ky. We shall, therefore, limit our subsequent remarks
to the single professorship of agricultural chemistry.
Indeed, the philosophical department, so far as it was
new, rested entirely upon that professorship.

We are to speak now of the work which he
accomplished, in the few years of manhood — a little
less than five years — which were allotted to him. The
department of Agricultural Chemistry was to be created.
It was new in the country. It was doubtful whether
the public sentiment was strong enough to support it.
The external resources for such an undertaking were
sufficiently humble. The professorship was without a
salary, and no better laboratory could be furnished than
the wooden house on the college grounds, formerly

o4

occupied by President Dwight, and afterwards by-
President Day. But Professor Norton was well fitted
for the work he had undertaken. His acquaintance with
the operations of the farm, gained by personal experience,
his good sense and sound judgment, and his simple and
gentlemanly bearing, won the regard of the farming
community ; and he took unwearied pains, through
addresses, lectures, more formal treatises, and numerous
publications in agricultural journals, to disseminate
elevated views of the necessity of scientific knowledge
to the farmer. His influence was extensively felt, and
was becoming stronger every year. Within the school,
the more immediate sphere of his labors, his influence
was equally great. He was a most admirable instructor.
His hopeful, joyous, sympathetic disposition, his great
equanimity, his pleasant, familiar maimer, his quiet
humor, rendered his presence in the laboratory always
agreeable to the scholars, while his interest in their
studies and welfare awakened a strong personal attach-
ment. Although discouraged at his first attempts, he
was fast becoming one of our best lecturers. He had
firm possession of the knowledge he had acquired, and
was thus able to give precise and definite information.
His natural opposition to vain show kept him from the
folly of professedly fine speaking and rhetorical decla-
mation, while the deep interest he felt in his subject,

55

led him to communicate all the knowledge possible in
the hour, and by perspicuity of style and skill of arrange-
ment to make it the most available to the student. We
have the testimony of the best scholars that they
attended no lectures where they got more information.
The number of scholars the first year was small, but it
each year increased, till at last the experiment of the
school was decided, a new department of professional
study in the university was created, and a liberal and
scientific pursuit opened to the young men of our
country. And it is due to his memory to say, that
during these five years of incessant toil, he received no
salary whatever, and that the remuneration from tuition,
after paying necessary expenses, would not amount to
the wages of a day laborer. At the same time he
had been offered a foundation of twenty thousand
dollars, in one of the large colleges of the country, with
a salary of three thousand dollars, if he would devote
himself to chemistry in its application to the arts ; and
from time to time other lucrative places were pressed
upon him. He however regarded the interests of
agriculture as paramount to all others, and was not to
be diverted from his devotion to them. He had chosen
Yale College as the best place for the establishment of
such a school as he was desirous of founding ; he had
there principally received his education, and he was

56

deeply interested in its welfare. Indeed, when we
consider how much he gave up in rejecting the large
salaries which were offered elsewhere, and how much
he expended from his own resources in the five years of
his unpaid labors in the institution, amounting of course
to many thousand dollars ; and his generous bequest,
made within a few hours of his death, of all the
apparatus of the laboratory, together with the books
and other articles (valued at more than $2000), we
place him prominently among those benefactors who,
besides their services, their scientific and literary reputa-
tion, and their lives, have given most generous donations
to the college.

But his instruction in the laboratory was only a small
part of his labors. His publications were numerous,
and of permanent value. He was a frequent writer for
agricultural journals. He had been a more or less fre-
quent writer for the Albany Cultivator from 1844, but in
1850 he commenced a new series of letters, which, the
editor says, constitutes " one of the chief attractions of
the Cultivator." He also delivered numerous addresses
before agricultural societies, in different parts of the
country. Eight or nine of these have been published.
His last public effort was the introductory to the course
of lectures," at the opening of the University of Albany,
N. Y., in 1851. All these are written with perspicuity,

57

and contain much valuable information. But his most
important work is, his Elements of Scientific Agriculture.
This essay was written for the prize offered by the New
York State Agricultural Society, and was successful. It
is a most admirable treatise. We said, when it was first
published, that it deserved to be placed in the hands of
every farmer in the land, and we think still it is the best
treatise, for the object it had in view, which has ever
been written. The more it is examined, the more its
value will appear. His last work was his edition of Ste-
phens's Farmer's Guide, to which, by the particular
desire of the Edinburgh publishers, the Messrs. Black-
wood, he added notes and an appendix, which would of
themselves make a small volume, and which much in-
creased the value of the original work. We most fully
agree with the editor of the Cultivator, that Professor
Norton was, " the most practical agricultural writer and
thinker of the present time, and that his efforts promised
more permanently beneficial results than those of any
other man." Nor was his more strictly scientific studies
neglected, though, judging it important, first of all, to
awaken an interest in such studies by the dissemination
of agricultural views, founded on science, he had not
devoted so much time to this branch of his department
as he would afterwards have done. What he did pub-
lish, however, was valuable. We mention, Researches

5^

and Observations on the Potato Disease, published in
the Journal of Science, vol. ii, 281; iv, 70; On the
Proteine Bodies of Peas and Almonds, published in
the same Journal, vol. v, 22 ; On the Value of Soil
Analysis, and the points to which special attention
should be directed, read before the American Association
at Albany, August, 1851, and published in their proceed-
ings. In this paper, he was aided by William J. Craw,
first assistant in his laboratory. This was his last con-
tribution to science, and the elevated views which it
contains of the high office of the scientific man, in
relation to agriculture, only make more manifest the loss
science has suffered in his death.

But we draw nigh the closing scene. The session of
1851 was the most prosperous one his school had en-
joyed, and it was now made certain that a large
chemical school would grow up under his auspices. At
the same time, he took a deep interest in the projected
University of Albany, in which agricultural chemistry
was to have a prominent place, and agreed to deliver a
course of lectures in that city, on that subject. Every
thing was now prosperous with him. Useful, honored
and beloved, he enjoyed the present, and saw belbre him
an equally honorable and useful future. But, alas! his
days were numbered, and he was approaching the grave.
On his first journey to Albany, he spit a little blood in

59

the cars. Thinking little of it, he gave his lecture as if
nothing had happened. He raised a little blood several
times afterwards; at last, the hemorrhage became so
great, as to cause anxiety. A council of physicians was
called, who pronounced the case alarming, though not
hopeless, and advised a sojourn in a warmer climate.
He went with his brother to Florida, and there some-
what recovered. But on his way home he took the mea-
sles in the city of Washington, and was much worn by
the attack. On his return to New Haven, he looked
better. He continued improving somewhat through the
summer. He himself, as usual, was hopeful, though
friends were fearful. He was able to do a little. His last
public labor was conducting an examination of several
of his scholars who were candidates for the degree of
Bachelor of Philosophy. It was, perhaps, too much for
him, but he felt a deep interest in the matter, as it was
the first time of conferring degrees in that department.
His last act in the service of his school, was indeed all
that remained to its complete establishment, as an
institution giving both the reality and the recognized
title of a professional education. About commence-
ment, he was seized with a violent hemorrhage —
recovered somewhat — went to his father's in Farming-
ton — and there died, in the bosom of his own family.
But how did he die? How endured he to relinquish

60

his promising plans of future usefulness, and quench
these hopes in death ? How endured he to leave the
home of affection, filled with every earthly Miss ? He
resigned them all cheerfully, even exultingly. When
informed at Albany, in the latter part of the day, that
his case might terminate fatally, he slept that night as
soundly as if he had been told he would soon be well
again ; and when his wife, thinking he must have mis-
understood the decision of the physicians, asked him if
he knew what the physicians had said, he replied that
he did — it was the will of God, and he would do what
was best. When again, twenty-four hours before his
death, the same faithful friend broke to him the message
from his physician, that he had but few hours to live, he
said, this is sudden, and begged, as his head felt con-
fused, to be left to himself a little while. He closed his
eyes, and continued in prayer and meditation for perhaps
half an hour, and then opened them, exclaiming, " O
glorious immortality: all is peace;" and, from this mo-
ment, spake of his departure with all the cheerfulness of
one who was about to set out on a pleasant journey.
On Sunday morning, the day of his death, contrary to
the expectation of the family, who supposed they had
taken their last earthly leave of him, he opened his eyes,
which beamed with their wonted animation and cheer-
fulness, and he spoke to them all again with a kind of

61

heavenly composure, and then fell "on sleep." He died
on the oth of September, 1852, aged 30 years.

Although in the account of his life, Ave have indicated
the principal traits in the character of Professor Norton,
we wish, for the sake of the example, to dwell upon
them a little longer.

His mind was characterized by strong powers of per-
ception and observation, by the capacity of long con-
tinued attention, and by sound practical judgment. He
possessed in combination many of the qualities which
belonged to his distinguished progenitors, Governor John
Treadwell and Senator Timothy Pitkin. He took liberal
and comprehensive views. His opinions on all subjects
were judicious. There was an uprightness of mind
which kept him from being misled by prejudice or fanci-
ful speculations. For the same reason, whatever he
undertook turned out well. He had no useless know-
ledge ; he wasted no time in chance wanderings over the
field of science ; he studied with definite and well
matured aims. There was also a certain joyous activity
of mind, which made hard study in his favorite pursuits
a positive delight. Nor was he deficient in fancy and
imagination. He took a deep interest in the fine arts,
especially in music, of which he was no mean proficient.
And over all this there was thrown the charm of a quiet

6

62

humor, mellowing the firmer and more serious parts of
his character.

Professor Norton was a thorough student. He was a
model in this respect. His time was systematically
divided, and each portion scrupulously spent in its
allotted work. There were no idle moments; no waste
time. Whatever was to be done, was done at once. He
carried the prompt habits of a business man into his
study. It is a peculiarity which distinguishes student
life from a life of business, that it is possible much more
frequently to postpone the labors of the day to a future
opportunity. Every student forms plans of study, but
there are few who do not sutler them to be broken in
upon or frustrated. But we should as soon have thought
of the merchant postponing the payment of a note till
after banking hours, as of Professor Norton postponing
the allowed work of the hour to another time. Professor
Norton studied with the pen in his hand. No German
student could excel him in the diligence with which he
took notes of the lectures he attended, or recorded his
own observations on what he was studying. He com-
posed with great facility and in a good style, and was
fond of writing. He has left behind many volumes of
manuscripts. He was in every respect a scholar, tho-
rough, exact, and profound.

63

As a man, as a member of soeiety, lie was every thing
that could be desired. The frankness and ingenuous-
ness of his disposition, his genial good humor, and
gentlemanly manners, made him a favorite in the social
circle. He was always interested in the details of social
liie, took part in all innocent amusements, and having
worked hard enough and long enough, in his study, he
left his toils behind him. He enjoyed liie himself, and
helped others to enjoy it. What he was in the dearer
and more intimate relations of life, we will not attempt
to describe ; there are joys, there are sorrows, which
even near friends may not enter into.

But, after all, it was as a man of Christian principle,
that Professor Norton was most conspicuous. He early
united himself with the Christian church, and Christian
principles controlled the actions of his life. His firmness
under trying circumstances has already been mentioned.
But the same firmness was seen in every thing. He was
always on the right side ; no one ever doubted on any
moral or religious subject, where he would be found. He
made the Bible the man of his counsel, and the guide of
his feet, and he governed his household according to its
precepts. His life had been an uncommonly happy one.
Prosperity smiled upon him. We have never known the
individual who was so uniformly blessed of Providence,
in all his undertakings. And yet, at the unexpected

64

summons, in the morning of life, and with every thing to
live for, he was ready — he was cheerful. If he had a
care, it was for those he was to leave — for the aged and
venerable grandmother, who leaned upon him — for the
lather who had done so much for him — for the family
circle which surrounded him — for the wife of his tender-
est affections. He knew, he did not strive to conceal
from himself — the pangs that would pierce them; and
the thoughts that were diverted from Heaven, were for
them, to comfort and console them.

His affections clung around his laboratory to the last
moment. He spoke of it with the deepest interest. After
executing a brief will, he made many verbal bequests,
among them the one to the college. " My apparatus and
books in the laboratory," he said, " I wish given to the
college, if the department shall be continued. I hope it
will be kept up ; it has cost me a great deal of labor."

The public loss in this death is great indeed. With
that intense devotion to one great end in life, in which
he stood alone in this country in his department, and we
suppose the number of such men is not large abroad ;
with those habits of diligence which made him master of
the vast amount of knowledge, necessary in his profes-
sion, and that soundness of judgment which kept him
from all speculative schemes : with that confidence which
he had already inspired into the agricultural communi-

65

ty : with the state of agriculture in the land, just in a
condition to need and profit hy the labors of such a man
— with all this in view — we were authorized to antici-
pate, and we now take pleasure in expressing the antici-
pation, that he would have risen to the highest distinction
in his profession, that he would have reflected high honor
upon the college with which he was connected, and
that he would have been of the most important service
to his country.

But our friend did not live in vain. He accomplished
a good work. He left a name without a blot. He be-
queathed an example which others may be satisfied to
equal. He founded a school, which, in accordance with
his dying wish, we trust, the community will not suffer
to languish, but will rear up to be his perpetual monu-
ment; and in after years, when it shall have risen to wide-
spread renown, and multitudes on multitudes shall have
enjoyed its blessings, honored will be the name of John
Pitkin Norton, its founder.

From Ihe Presbyterian Magazine.

HOUSEHOLD THOUGHTS.

"glorious immortality!" "all is peace."

" He does well who does his best:
Is he weary? Let him rest.
Brothers ! I have done my best ;
I am weary — let me rest!"

In a retired village in New England, amidst beautiful
scenery of nature, stands a mansion with all the arrange-
ments for comfort and happiness. But death is within
the doors!

Not now for the first time does the conqueror come.
Once before had he entered that Christian home. Then,
an aged mother in Israel sunk into her last sleep before
the touch of his sceptre. Venerable saint, with thy
quiet brow, meek eye, comely bearing, and loving spirit,
the house received a glory in being the birth place of
thy departure into another world !

It is the sabbath. In one of the upper chambers is a
beloved young man, soon to be numbered the second of
the dead in that abode of love and peace. The rest of
the Lord's day is hushed to deeper tranquility by the
premonitions of a fearful providence. A son. the pride

07

and joy — as well might he be — of his father's heart, is
nigh unto death. The faint breathings of a tired frame
announce that the last sleep is drawing near. With
kind looks to all, and with a firm faith in Christ, the
youthful pilgrim closes his eyes on the world.

Household grief at such a time may not be inter-
meddled with ; but theirs is grief which loses not the
joy of Christian hope, and which looks away from earth
to Christ, resurrection, and glory. As the church bell,
which for two centuries has knelled the work of death
in that retired Puritan village,* struck on that sabbath
its thirty notes, all knew the meaning. Fathers,
mothers, young men, maidens, mingled their sympathies
and ejaculations ; not a few their tears. The venerable
pastor's heart thrilled with peculiar tenderness, for a very
dear one of his flock had panted away life by the side
of the spring — blessed be God, of the living spring !

The young man, pale in death, was the eldest son. God
knows the swelling tides in the human heart. He im-
planted natural affection, srop^v, the vehement indwellings
and outgoings of a father's soul. Parents of a mortal race,
ye receive your children for death ! The joy which wel-
comes them into the world has a kindred keenness of

* The custom is still kept up, in many towns of New England, of
tolling the bell when a person dies. The number of strokes indicate
the age of the deceased.

68

sorrow in mourning them out of it. We rejoice and we
sorrow over them. It is a privilege to have a heart, an
overflowing heart, of human tender love. Father, that
son deserves well the tears you weep. Over you how
youthfully would he have wept — your eldest, darling
child ! But the sacred gift is yours to weep for him.
May God sanctify that unexpected, inexperienced sorrow.
The youth is a Christian youth. On his form of manly
beauty lies the death-betokening stillness; for he is not
there. He is with Christ ! At the time of death was he
with him in Paradise. Oh, how great the mercy which
brings our young men to the cross; which brought him
there. In the morning of life he renounced all for
his Saviour. Trained in the good old way, he walked in
it during the opening years of active manhood, pursued
religion as the chief end, and was thus prepared to enter
upon its everlasting rewards when God closed his earthly
course. Few meditations are more welcome to survivors
than those which are linked with efforts and prayers to
bring departed ones to Christ. The writer gratefully re-
members a solemn interview with this dear youth in a
retired corner of the beautiful garden out of sight except
from the All seeing. His mind was at that time, un-
known to me till then, concerned on religious subjects.
God afterwards brought him to a full knowledge of the
truth. He became a zealous Christian. He was in the

69

Bible class ; his rich, uncommon voice mingled in the
choir ; he was known as a friend of religion, of temper-
ance, of active benevolence, of social improvement; a
promoter of every good work. Happiest now in the work
of heaven !

In a brief record of a gifted young man, it is not out of
place to say that his mental endowments and acquirements
were great and beyond his years. His mind was quick,
regular, and trustworthy in its operations. It saw and
did with consummate precision. The two qualities,
however, which enabled him to accomplish so much in
his short career were system and perseverance. At the age
of twenty-four he was appointed a Professor in Yale
College, and in a new department organized with some
reference to his own adaptations to fill it with honor.*
He was rapidly acquiring a reputation as a scholar, a phi-
losopher, and a writer. f But what is knowledge ? It
shall "vanish away !" The young philosopher's chair is
unoccupied in his library ; the laboratory misses his quick

* The professorship was that of Analytical and Agricultural Chemis-
try.

| Professor John Pitkin Norton was undoubtedly the first in his depart-
ment in the United States. He was a fine lecturer, and had the art of
impelling his own enthusiasm into the minds of others. He was much
sought after to deliver (addresses at agricultural conventions. Several
of his addresses have been published, and are admirable specimens of
science brought home to the people. He also published several valuable
scientific works.

70

eye and steady hand, and friendly zeal. Human learning-
is valuable in its plaee ; but there is a wisdom of a better
kind, and more enduring. This and that were both his.

Social traits of a superior character were his ornament
among his fellows. His glance was upon life's sunny
side. He was of generous temperament, buoyant in good
nature, companionable, courteous, modest, kind. In ad-
dition to his personal elements of popularity, his ancestral
ties bound him to the community. His great-grandfather
was good old Governor Treadwell, and his grandfather
the Honorable Timothy Pitkin, both of Farmington, the
residence of his own honored father, and where he
himself had come to die. A large circle of friends, espe-
cially in Farmington, Albany, and New Haven, will love
to cherish his memory in mourning his loss.

The ways of Providence are mysterious, but not the less
wise ; often, rather be it said, therefore the more wise.
" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his
saints." There is no better time to die than the appoint-
ed time. God had been preparing his young servant for
heaven by afflictions in the death of a child and his own
failing health. The soul learns rapidly the lessons of re-
ligious experience, when Providence and the Spirit are its
associate teachers. Being ready to go why should any
wish him to stay ? and having gone why wish him back
again? The 5th of September, 1852, is as good a time

71

to die as any time in any year a half century hence. The
first sabbath of autumn was his last earth-day. On be-
ing rather unexpectedly told a lew days belbre that he
could not long survive, he requested to be left alone for
a season. Not alone ! For the family took knowledge
of him that he had been with Jesus. His joyful tidings
to them from another world were "Glorious immortal-
ity !" " All is peace !"

He was buried at New Haven, from the place of his
late residence, in that beautiful city. " Great lamenta-
tion was made over him ;" and he was carried to his last
resting-place with the ingenuous grief of a large concourse
of friends.

"He does well who does his best;
Is he weary ? Let him rest.
Brothers ! I have done my best ;
I am weary — let me rest ?"

" If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so
them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him

The following is a meagre outline of the remarks of
President Woolsey, of Yale College, at the grave :

President Woolsey began with referring to Professor Kingsley's late
decease ; that the college had just lost one, nearly the oldest of its offi-
cers, and now it was called to mourn for Professor Norton the youngest.

Mr. Norton was the founder in this country of the science to which he
addicted himself, and had attained in his short course to a point where he
commanded the respect of men of science. He bade fair to become em-
inent in his department. He had qualified himself for it by study inEu-

72

rope under the most eminent chemists ; and had received, even when a
student, most flattering testimonials to his skill in chemical analysis.

In speaking of his character, President Woolsey said that he was a
man of uncommonly sweet and gentle temper, characterised by placidity
and equanimity, to which were united great patience and perseverance in
the pursuit of whatever he had undertaken.

He was also a man of great simplicity, very far from love of show, and
from pretension. His lecturing was a proof of this, in which he thought
nothing of himself, and was entirely engrossed with his subject. He
seemed in this simplicity more like a little child than almost any man
whom I have known.

He was also a man of great probity. He had a natural straightfor-
wardness, which well became the descendant of some of the worthiest
Puritans of Connecticut. He seemed to love truth for its own sake. He
was inflexible in doing right, and whenever a point of duty was involved
steadily adhered to true principles. This was manifested in his con-
stantly refusing when abroad, and after his return when thrown among
worldly men, to do any act looking like desecration of the sabbath, and
by his strict temperance principles in all companies, and on all occasions.

But the crowning glory of his character was his religion, which brought
out and gave strength to his natural good qualities. In his youth he felt the
power of divine grace, united himself with the church in Farmington, and
had ever since led a life consistent with his profession. Hence, when the
summons to die came, he was not unprepared or thrown off his guard. He
was told that there was no prospect of his living, then calmly shut his eyes
without a murmur, and on opening them again, turning to his wife who
was sitting by his side, said as if he was giving utterance to the closing
thoughts of a sweet train, "Glorious immortality !" adding shortly after,
"All is peace!'

Earely do we see a character more respected by the world, or more tru-
ly lovely, than of the young man whose body we have now laid in the
grave.

From lilt; Cultivator.

OBITUARY OF PROF. NORTON-

Misfortunes never come singly. We had scarcely laid
down our saddened pen, and cast an earnest look into the
already darkened future, when another in the bloom of
his maturity, was called hence. Calmly, peacefully,
trustingly, he has passed to the land of his faith, to the
home of the blest, leaving regret to border the pathway he
had trod, and tears to water in vain the hopes which his
usefulness had awakened. Prof. Norton is dead, aged only
thirty.

" Those the gods love, die young,

But they whose hearts are dry

As summers' dust, burn to the socket."

The lives of the truly great are always instructive, and
could we read them rightly, would teach us useful les-
sons, both in the sublime results which attend their labors
and in the mode by which their greatness has been at-
tained. While one whose talents and accomplishments
have distinguished him among the wise men and schol-
ars of his day lives, Ave admire only the proofs of his ge-

74

nius and ability; but when such an one is removed from
onr midst, we naturally inquire into the elements of his
power. It is in this way that, when one is dead, he
yet speaketh — speaks not only in word and in deed, but
in the more silent operations of the mind, which are
marked in the successive grades of culture by which one
rises to eminence.

Deeply as we deplore the loss of the most practical
agricultural writer and thinker of the present time — one
from whence the farming community expected much, and
whose efforts promised more permanently beneficial re-
sults than those of any other man, we shall find that his
life, though short, is full of instruction and replete with
interest.

From his youth, Mr. Norton had been more or less con-
versant with the practice of agriculture, and as is natur-
ally the case with an inquiring mind, the apparent lack
of system, and ruinous waste often seen, led to thought
iind investigation. After having pursued the study of
chemistry with the ablest professors in this country, he
visited Europe, in the summer of 1844, for the purpose
of pursuing his studies farther than could be done here,
and also to extend his observations. Mr. Norton accom-
panied Prof. Johnston on a tour through Scotland, the re-
sults of which appeared in his letters published in this
journal. These letters, which were continued regularly

75

during his absence, were his first introduction to the pub-
lic as a writer, and established his reputation as a careful
observer, a close reasoner, and a sound thinker. During
his stay in Scotland he enjoyed the closest intimacy with
Prof. Johnston, and pursued his studies under his direction
at the Laboratory of the Agricultural Chemical Associa-
tion. The analyses furnished by him from time to time,
show the accuracy of his mind and his superior industry,
and his Notes on Prof. Johnston's Lectures are valuable
abstracts, forming almost a complete text book of agricul-
tural science. All his communications to the Cultivator
are of permanent value, and show the condition of ag-
ricultural science in Scotland at that time.

In the fall of 1845, he made a tour on the continent,
for the purpose of visiting some of the most celebrated
laboratories, and his letters were for a time discontinued.
Shortly after, he returned to this country, when he re-
ceived an appointment to a professorship of chemistry,
as applied to agriculture, which had been created at Yale
College. Mr. Norton wished to perfect himself in chem-
istry before entering upon his duties as professor, and
with this in view he sailed again for Europe in the tall
of 1846. Here we notice a prominent characteristic of
Prof. Norton. There was nothing of pretension in his
nature — he was unwilling to assume a responsibility till
he felt himself fully equal to it. Instead of being vain

76

of the honor thus early bestowed on him, he goes man-
fully and earnestly to work to lay, deep and strong, the
foundations of a science, of which the first rudiments
were scarcely known.

In the year 1846, a premium of fifty sovereigns ($250)
was offered by the Highland and Agricultural Society of
Scotland, for the best analysis of the oat. The chemical
constituents and the physiology of the growth of this
plant, were little known, and a scientific analysis had
never been attempted. Mr. Norton, still a student in the
laboratory, and in competition with several learned chem-
ists, obtained this premium. This is more remarkable
from the fact that he was an American, and unknown to
the scientific world. The article contains thirty-nine
tables, showing the composition of the different parts of
the oat, and at several stages of its growth, and displays
a vast amount of research and an untiring industry. In
the conclusion of the article, Mr. Norton remarks — " I
may be permitted to say, that the extent of this investiga-
tion, and the many points which I have been compelled
to leave undetermined or doubtful, after eighteen months
of constant labor, must convince those who entertain false
ideas of the time and patience necessary for chemical re-
searches of this kind, that they have erred in supposing
the chemist able to do in a few days or weeks what can
only be effected by the labor and study of many success-
ive years."

7 7

How strangely does this language of a successful scho-
lar contrast with the assertions of later, not to say riper
chemists, who arrive at the most profound conclusions
with an astonishing facility, and, in advance of public
opinion, award to themselves the highest eulogiums.

During his stay in Europe Mr. Norton studied with
Prof. Mulder at Utrecht, Holland, one of the greatest
physiologists and chemists of his day. His letters from
Holland are admirable pictures of the rural aspect of the
country. Upon his return to this country in the fall of
1847, he entered upon his duties at Yale. Though at-
tendance on the lectures in his department was volunta-
ry, and comparatively little attention had been paid to
agricultural chemistry by the young men in our colleges,
he soon gathered a class of students, which was gradually
increasingto the time of his death. His laboratory was in
fact the only place in this country where the principles of
science, as applied to agriculture, were thoroughly taught.

The cares of his professorship were not his exclusive
occupation. A Treatise on Scientific Agriculture, which
was written as a prize essay, and took a premium of one
hundred dollars, offered by the New York State Agricul-
tural Society, and was subsequently published as a text
book for schools, was prepared by him in 1850. This
little work embodies all the fundamental principles of
agricultural science, so far as well established, and has
been widely circulated.

78

Prof. Norton also wrote an appendix to Stephens's
Book of the Farm, together with notes, such as to adapt
it to this country'. In the Cultivator for January, 1850,
Professor Norton commenced a series of letters, which
were continued without interruption till his sickness.
Those communications were of such a practical nature,
and so well adapted to the wants of farmers, that they
constituted one of the chief attractions of the Cultivator.
His views of scientific farming were not of that ultra,
radical sort that empyrics love so well to dwell upon, but
rather the more rational and common sense ideas, which
a knowledge of the real condition of our farmers and
their interests, combined with sound discipline of mind,
would naturally form. If his style lacked ornament, it
was because the frame work he had to build was too
vast a structure to admit of decoration ; if he rarely
called imagination to his aid, it was because he was too
intent upon the stern realities of things ; if he seldom
manifested any great enthusiasm, it was because he was
conscious of having only entered on a work whose tri-
umphs still lay in the unexplored future. Thoughtfully,
carefully, steadily, he was laying the foundation on
which, in after years, he might rear as proud a monu-
ment as science ever wrote her name upon. Agriculture
in this country had much to hope for in his efforts : for
he bent the undivided energies of his mind to its

79

advancement. His whole sou] was in the work; he
had the confidence of every one, and with no other per-
son could the interests of our rural population be so
safely entrusted as with Professor Norton. Upon whom
will his mantle fall ? Who will arise to guide through
the shoals and quick sands of reckless imposture, the
noble ship of American industry ?

We have not space enough to speak of particular
articles of Prof. Norton's, nor to notice the many address-
es which he delivered at intervals before agricultural
societies and the community generally. Suffice it to
say, that every thing he wrote, and every thing he said,
was marked by the same uniform prudence, the same
careful judgment, which characterizes the man. He
was never led into error — never ran headlong into chi-
meras and fanaticism — and so was never obliged to
retract what he had said, or retire from positions he had
taken.

When the project of the University of Albany was
broached in 1851, Professor Norton entered warmly into
the plan. He had felt deeply the need of such an insti-
tution, and knew the obstacles which lay in the way of
the students of agriculture and the natural sciences.
He advocated it as the best means of securing a perma-
nent basis to our agricultural interests, and forming a
nucleus for science in this country. The lectures which

80

he delivered in the winter of 1851-2, before a class
which was gathered in Albany, were popular and
instructive. lie had a rare faculty oi1 expressing in
plain language his thoughts on the most abstruse sub-
jects, and also of holding the attention of an audience
to his theme. The severe labor, attendant on delivering
courses of lectures at New Haven and at the University
of Albany, materially impaired his health, and before
the close of his lectures, he was obliged to leave for a
warmer climate. Strong hopes were entertained, at
first, of his recovery, but Providence had otherwise
ordered. After his return to the north, he sank slowly
to his end. Though conscious that he must leave a
world which was just opening to his ambition, and a
circle of friends who fully appreciated his worth, he was
cheered on by that Christian hope which had been his
guide and solace during life. The exchange of worlds
is for him a happy one, but his loss will cast a shadow
on many a heart.

His character was in the highest degree estimable,
and his virtues were of that quiet, unobtrusive nature,
Avhich steal so readily into the affections of every one.
He was eminently fitted to grace the social circle, and
his pleasing, .artless manner, winning address, and
animated style of conversation, made his society pecu-
liarly desirable.

81

The personal friends of Prof. Norton mourn one who
was endeared to them by the closest intimacy, — the
scientific world, one of their brightest lights, and the
readers of the Cultivator, a most valuable correspondent.
Thus in the space of five short weeks, have we been
called to write the obituaries of the two most prominent
horticultural and agricultural writers of the day, men
whose places can not well be filled, and whose memories
will long be cherished by every lover of his country.

From the Bostjn Cultivator.

JOHN PITKIN NORTON.

In common with all true friends of improvement, we
mourn the death of this talented and estimable man.
We express no feigned regret — we feel that the whole
country has suffered loss. This is not the occasion for
his eulogy, were we able to do justice to his character:
but we can not refrain from some tribute, however
feeble, to the memory of one, whose brief career has
been so useful, and whose prospects, viewed in reference
to the benefits he might have conferred on his fellow
men, were so full of hope.

Professor Norton was no ordinary man; he was one
in whom the " elements seemed so blended," that he
commanded universal respect. Though he had only
reached the age of thirty years, he had wrought for
himself a position and reputation among the distin-
guished men of the age. His labors were principally
directed to the applications of science to agriculture,
and without any invidious motive, we may safely say
that to no man is this country more deeply indebted
than to him, for the valuable truths which have been

83

elicited on this subject. His whole aim was truth. He
sought no temporary eclat by the announcement of
novel ideas, or ill founded statements. With a strength
of judgment and power of discrimination beyond his
years, he carefully weighed and examined every thing,
and held last the good.

His advantages of education, which were liberal, were
well improved. He spent nearly three years in Europe,
under eminent professors in Britain and on the con-
tinent, returning to this country in 1847. To aptitude
in acquiring knowledge, he united the happy faculty of
practically applying it — a faculty which was doubtless
greatly strengthened by his labors and observations on
his father's farm.

For a few years Prof. Norton has been at the head of
the department of Chemistry applied to Agriculture and
the Phenomena of Vegetable and Animal Life in Yale
College ; in which capacity many young men have had
the benefit of his instructions. He has also been a
frequent contributor to the agricultural and scientific
journals, and has lectured with great acceptance on
agricultural subjects.

His death was caused by disease of the lungs, com-
bined with the effect of measles. His health has been
considerably impaired for some months, but hopes were
entertained of his recovery until within a short time.

ON THE DEATH OE PROE. JOHN PITKIN NORTON.

Called early! Gone, while yet his years were few :

So counts the world upon her calendar ;

But those there are who wear the snows of time

Upon their furrowed temples, and yet die

Younger than he, the great intent of life

All unachieved.

Yet hath he made his mark
On his own clime, and on the Mother Land
Beyond the flood, even in his youthful prime.
Yes, he hath made his mark.

Yale's classic halls,
In all their ancient pride, remember him ;
While, neath their dome, a thoughtful student band
Who duly listened to his treasured lore,
Lament their Teacher.

Yes, it seems that earth
Herself remembereth him ; so well he knew
Her hidden elements and sequences,
And how to wake her full benevolence,
Making her children happier through her wealth,
Methinks even trees and plants remember him,
And pour, on heavy winds, a solemn wail ;
Their harp-like branches mingling with the sigh
Of sorrow from his desolated home.
Life spread in strong array her charms for him :
Young wife, and infant boy to lisp his name,
Father and mother, and the stricken hearts
Of truthful brothers, clinging round his own.

85

Saw ye beside his grave two honored forms,
Fond guardians of his parents' infancy,
Who now, in holy sanctity of age,
Wept for their loved one, as the flower of grass
Fading beside them ?

The same hallowed guide*
Who blessed his hoary grandsire, when he took
His pilgrim staff, to tread the darkened vale,
Did gird him, as he suddenly went forth
On his returnless journey.

List his words !
When with a brandished dart the pale king rose,
Like basilisk amid a violet bank :
" Peace and a steadfast hope."'

Serene, he closed
His eyes in solemn thought, a little space,
Communing with his God.

And then there burst
From their unfolding lids, a light of joy,
And from his icy lips the blessed sound
Of " Glorious immortality. "

And so
He passed away.

And those who saw that scene,
Though griefs dire pang was wrestling at their heart,
Touched by that strong sublimity of faith
That conquereth death, mingled God's praise with tears.

L. H. S.

* The Rev. Dr. Porter, of Farmington, who was greatly beloved and
respected by the late venerable Gov. Treadwell, of Connecticut.

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