James E. Homans, editor

“ Prior to entering the Scientific School, Professor Putnam was an active member of the Salem Light Infantry, and although he had no war record he ever maintained his interest in military matters, and at his death was a member of the Salem Light Infantry, Veteran Association, and of the Cambridge Battalion. ”

“ As a boy he was a helper about home, worked with his father in cultivating and propagating plants, and considered that early training in work and in regular duties had much to do with making him handy in the use of tools, and ready in emergencies of after life. ”

“ He was honored by Williams College, in 1868, with the degree of A.M., and by the University of Pennsylvania in 1894 with that of S.D. His active scientific life began at Salem, and in 1856 he was appointed curator of ornithology in the Essex Institute, and was assistant to Professor Agassiz at Cambridge in 1857. His determination to devote his life to zoology arose from his unusual aptitude for research in natural history. ”

“ He has also done a large amount of editorial work. (See Bibliography in the Putnam Anniversary Volume.) He has made extensive research and investigation in American archeology. He considered the greatest achievements of his life work to be: The establishment and development of new departments of anthropology in Harvard and California Universities; the development of anthropological museums; and the preservation of prehistoric monuments in the United States. Since the year 1858 he has been a member of many societies at home and abroad. ”