the circuit. These, with many other
principles of electro-magnetism were all illustrated experimentally to
his audience. These being the facts, to whom do I owe the first
knowledge which I obtained of the science of electro-magnetism bearing
upon the practical development of the telegraph? Professor Dana had
publicly demonstrated in my hearing and to my sight all the facts
necessary to be known respecting the electro-magnet.... The volute
modification of the helix to show the concentration of magnetism at
its centre, adapted to the electric magnet, the modification since
universally adopted in the construction of the electro-magnet, is
justly due, I think, to the inventive mind of Prof. James Freeman
Dana. Death, in striking him down at the threshold of his fame, not
only extinguished a brilliant light in science--one which gave the
highest promise of future distinction--but the suddenness of the
stroke put to peril the just credit due him for discoveries he had
already made. Dana had not only mastered all of the science of
electro-magnetism then given to the world, a science in which he was
an enthusiast, but, standing on the confines that separate the known
from the unknown, was at the time of his decease preparing for new
explorations and new discoveries. I could not mention his name in this
connection without at least rendering this slight but inadequate
homage to one of the most liberal of men and amiable of friends, as
well as promising philosophers of his age."

The delivery of these lectures was amongst Dr. Dana's last public
efforts. A severe cold, resulting in an attack of erysipelas affecting
the brain, terminated his brief life of thirty-three years, on the
15th of April, 1827.

In the various relations of private life he had won the warm
attachment of all who knew him. To the charm of a buoyant and
affectionate disposition he added Christian principle and character.
During his student life at Harvard, he had become a communicant of the
Episcopal Church, and continued a devout worshipper according to her
liturgy. Her Burial Service was read over his remains, by his friend
Dr. Wainwright, the funeral rites being performed at Grace Church, on
the 17th of April.

When it was proposed, in 1871, by the National Telegraph Monument
Association to erect a monument to Professor Morse, at Washington, the
family of Dr. Dana furnished, at its request, a portrait of him from
which a likeness was to be cast for one o