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 ciated with this period as instructors or assistants, among them R. H. Dana, 2d, George Ticknor Curtis, and the author of “Cushing’s Manual.” The eminent Wheaton, appointed to lecture on the Law of Nations, died immediately afterwards; and Edward Everett, appointed some years later, never took the position.

Again, as in the previous era, the two principal figures claim our attention. Each curiously resembled the former occupant of his chair. Parsons was a fascinating lecturer, a most genial and social man. J am indebted to the late Professor Langdell for the following characteristic reminiscence of him:

It was the custom in the old days, on the first day of each term, for the students to assemble in the library for the purpose of meeting the professors, and listening to an address from one of them. …On one occasion, when Professor Parsons delivered the address, he explained to the new students that…they had to study English decisions very diligently. ‘“Do you ask me,” said he, “if we have not achieved our independence, if we are still governed by England? No, gentlemen, we have not achieved our independence. England governs us still, not by reason of force but by force of reason.”

Parsons was really more of a littérateur than a lawyer. He openly expressed his dislike of, and unfitness for, the more technical parts of the law, such as Pleading and Property. He had a certain poetic dreaminess of temperament that, while apparently not interfering with his professional success, did seriously affect his financial affairs, which constantly suffered from his credulity and