y other, and its cooperation when necessary, but the tendency
is to have nothing more than this. In 1884, after the resignation
of Professor Sylvester, I was invited by President Gilman to act as
head of the department of mathematics. I could not figure as the
successor of Sylvester, and therefore suggested that my title should
be professor of mathematics and astronomy. The examinations of
students for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy were then, as now,
all conducted by a single "Board of University Studies," in which
all had equal powers, although of course no member of the board took
an active part in cases which lay entirely outside of his field.
But the general idea was that of mutual cooperation and criticism
all through. Each professor was a factor in the department of
another in a helpful and not an antagonistic way, and all held
counsel on subjects where the knowledge of all was helpful to each.
I cannot but think that the wonderful success of the Johns Hopkins
University is largely due to this feature of its activity, which
tended to broaden both professors and students alike.

In pursuance of this system I for several years took part in the
examinations of students of economics for their degrees. I found that
Professor Ely's men were always well grounded in those principles
of economic theory which seemed to me essential to a comprehension
of the subject on its scientific side.

Being sometimes looked upon as an economist, I deem it not improper
to disclaim any part in the economic research of to-day. What I have
done has been prompted by the conviction that the greatest social want
of the age is the introduction of sound thinking on economic subjects
among the masses, not only of our own, but of every other country.
This kind of thinking I have tried to promote in our own country
by such books as "A Plain Man's Talk on the Labor Question," and
"Principles of Political Economy."

My talks with Professor Henry used to cover a wide field in scientific
philosophy. Adherence to the Presbyterian church did not prevent his
being as uncompromising an upholder of modern scientific views of the
universe as I ever knew. He was especially severe on the delusions
of spiritualism. To a friend who once told him that he had seen a
"medium" waft himself through a window, he replied, "Judge, you never
saw that; and if you think you did, you are in a dangerous mental
condition and need the utmost care of your fa