OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES.

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES was born at Cambridge, Mass., August 29, 1809, and at this time (1882), he occupies the chair of Anatomy and Physiology in Harvard University. At the age of twenty, Holmes graduated at Harvard, and commenced the study of law. Law was soon abandoned for medicine. He studied in Europe, and in 1836 graduated at Cambridge as doctor of medicine. In 1838 he became professor of Anatomy and Physiology in Dartmouth College, and in 1847 accepted the same position at Harvard.

The following are among his literary works: Poetry, a Metrical Essay; Terpsichore; Urania; Astræa. The above poems were delivered before college and literary societies. He is also author of three excellent works, entitled Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, The Professor at the Breakfast Table, and The Poet at the Breakfast Table. Three other well known works of his are Elsie Venner, published in 1861; The Guardian Angel, in 1868; Mechanism in Thought and Morals, in 1872.

Besides his excellent literary works already noted, he is author of valuable medical works.

THE NEW YORK

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ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATION

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Although not a literary man by profession, yet he has written extensively, and has gained a high position in the literary world. His composition is always smooth and graceful, and many of his sayings are among the finest specimens of American humor.

Holmes combines science and philosophy, wit and humor, in poetry and prose, in a most happy and brilliant manner. His poems, written for class reunions and other special occasions, are so happy that they make Holmes "the fountain of perpetual youth" in American literature.

The Old Man's Dream.

H, for one hour of youthful joy!
Give back my twentieth spring!
I'd rather laugh a bright-haired boy,
Than reign a gray-haired king.

Off with the wrinkled spoils of age!
Away with learning's crown;
Tear out life's wisdom-written page,

And cast its trophies down.

One moment let my life-blood stream
From boyhood's fount to fame;
Give me one giddy, reeling dream
Of life, and love and fame.

My listening angel heard the prayer,
And calmly smiling, said:
"If I but touch thy silvered hair,
Thy hasty wish had sped.

"But is there nothing in the track, To bid thee fondly stay,

While the swift seasons hurry back, To find the wished-for day?"

"Ah, truest soul of womankind,
Without thee what were life?

One bliss I can not leave behind-
I'll take my precious wife."

The angel took a sapphire pen,
And wrote in rainbow hue,
"The man would be a boy again,
And be a husband, too."

"And is there nothing yet unsaid, Before the change appears? Remember all thy gifts have fled

With these dissolving years."