24                James Kip Finch and Talbot F. Hamlin

innate absurdity of the old ears like joined coaches gave way to the
modern passenger car; the old engine with its inclined cylinders
and its open cab to the modern locomotive with its tightly composed
length so expressive of its speed and power.

With its incidental prints, such as the exceptionally fine example
of Robert Mills and Louis Wernwag's famous Colossus arch over
the Schuylkill at Philadelphia, "the greatest known span by nearly
100 ft.," the Parsons Collection thus afl^ords an unusually com¬
plete pictotial review of the history of modern transportation. It is
a notable addition to the University's records and a fitting memorial
to its collector—a loyal alumnus who generously devoted a large
part of his life to the service of his Alma Mater.*
 

^ This article originally appeared in the Columlna U/ii-vtrsity Qi/artfrly, June, 1935.