ints of every
theme which he discussed was so exhaustive and complete that any
attempt to improve would have been almost like carrying light to the
sun.

The graces of his heart corresponded with those of his person and
mind. His earnest piety was marked and felt by all who came within the
sphere of his influence. Few Christian teachers have passed away, at
the age of forty, more highly esteemed than Professor Putnam. He died
on the return voyage from Europe, near Halifax, October 22, 1863.

* * * * *

In 1851, the chair of Mathematics was rendered vacant by the death of
Professor Chase, and he was succeeded by John Smith Woodman, a member
of the Rockingham County Bar. He was the son of Nathan and Abigail H.
(Chesley) Woodman, and was born at Durham, N. H., September 6, 1819.

Extended experience as a teacher in the South, and foreign travel, had
given valuable expansion to Professor Woodman's naturally capacious
mind. He was a careful, patient, laborious teacher of the Mathematics.
He did not exact excellence from every student, for he fully realized
that a lack of native fondness for the studies of this department
rendered it impossible for some to appear in the recitation-room, with
as full preparation as others. But he strove to have each do the best
in his power, and his kindness induced many to put forth earnest
effort, who would have been less inclined to do so under a different
teacher.

One well qualified to appreciate him says:

"As an instructor in Mathematics, a field proverbially difficult,
Professor Woodman had but few equals. Such was his superiority when a
student in this department, that there was little difficulty in
choosing a successor to the post made vacant by the sudden and
untimely death of Professor Chase. The action of the Trustees was most
completely justified by the ease and thoroughness with which Professor
Woodman took up and carried forward the work of his honored and
lamented predecessor.

"In the class-room, however subtle or complicated the subject, or
however dull the student lucklessly 'called up,' his demeanor was
always evenly calm, without a shade of impatience; he carried a firm,
steady hand, master alike of himself and the subject in hand.

"Under his direction the field of Mathematics was not left to mere
theoretical cultivation. At an early date, the first class under his
care was marshaled in squads under self-chosen captains who were f