Page:Memoir of George B. Wood, M. D., LL.D.djvu/34

 Dr. Littell, "his purity was that of the snow or lily; and no one in his presence ever ventured to indulge in ribald jest or unseemly remark." But once did I know him, in a long acquaintance, to be for a moment off his guard, in the measured dignity of his utterance; and then it was under somewhat unusual provocation. It seemed not improbable, however, that he had naturally an imperious temper; kept, upon principle, under admirable control.

His conversation was agreeable and often very instructive, though not brilliant. In one respect, he was extremely different from Dr. Nathaniel Chapman. Twice only, in very frequent professional and social intercourse, did I hear him utter a facetious remark; and, then, it was rather the dry wit which brings a smile than the humor which compels laughter.

One of Dr. Wood's early formed habits, not uncommon, perhaps, with toilsome authors, was that of doing most of his literary work late at night. From ten o'clock until two, three or four in the morning were his usual hours for such employment. So inveterate did this become, as a "second nature" with him, that when in advanced age he laid his pen almost entirely aside, he found it impossible to return to ordinary hours. He was still obliged, almost to the last, to turn night into day, and day into the time of his repose.

Open-handed benevolence was a marked trait of Dr. Wood's character. Privately, and to public institutions, he gave largely, although always with careful