Page:Samuel F. Batchelder - Bits of Harvard History (1924).pdf/419

 Professor Langdell’s failing sight—in his later years he had to depend almost entirely upon readers—prevented him from much extension of his own teaching work. The courses on contracts and on sales, based on his selection of cases for each, published during the first years of his connection with the School, he entrusted later to other members of the Faculty. The subject of equity—jurisdiction, pleading, and practice—had a special fascination for his profoundly analytical and logical mind. He continued to give two courses, based on his “Cases in Equity Pleading,” till the close of his work. His “Brief Survey of Equity Jurisdiction,” published the year before his death, perhaps came nearer the ideal of a scientific legal work than any other. His last contribution to the “Harvard Law Review” was published only a few months before his death—an article on Dicey’s “Law and Public Opinion.” This kindly and judicious criticism, involving great labor, called forth from the distinguished jurist the warmest expressions of appreciation. Langdell’s legal style indeed was admirable, comprehensive yet condensed, minute yet clear, vital and characteristic as the spoken word.

His private life was as serene as the steps of his own logic. His tastes were simple and fine. He was singularly free from cant and catchwords. He was a regular