Statement of facts, relating to the appointment of the author to the office of Professor of Chemistry, in Middlebury College, and the termination of his connexion with that college
Greenfield: printed by Denio and Phelps, [1818]. First edition, 8vo, pp. 20; stitched, as issued; some toning and foxing, fore-margin a bit worn; good and sound. Olds had previously taught mathematics at Williams College, leaving after several years to study theology. At the time of this appointment he was pastor of a Presbysterian congregation in Greenfield. He resigned his pastorate and accepted the appointment to Middlebury in 1816, contingent upon the college paying his salary while Olds attended the lectures of Benjamin Silliman at Yale. He did so, and was advised by Silliman that he should also attend the lectures on mineralogy. This was too much for Middlebury. President Davis had already requested that reimbursement be deferred for want of funds in the college treasury, and now it was charged that Olds was taking too much time before entering upon his duties. For Olds, it was a simple case of him being stiffed, on top of which the college was smearing his reputation. He subsequently found employment as the first Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Amherst. American Imprints 45157; Sabin 56166 (note). Item #55465
Price: $135.00
