r. David J. Jordan. -- The above named gentleman is one of the most prominent of that coterie of scientific writers who have done so much to attract attention to the physical resources of Indiana. For many years, Professor Jordan has been president of the state university. He was educated at Cornell University, and afterward studied biology under the famous Agassiz, in his celebrated summer school, Penikese Island. Coming west, Jordan taught his specialty in the University of Wisconsin, Indianapolis high school, Butler University and finally the Indiana University, of which his talents eventually made him president. Professor Jordan devoted most of his attention for many years to the study of the habits and classification of the fishes of North America. On this subject, he has published over 200 papers, besides a large work that has become a standard authority on ichthyology. In enthusiastic pursuit of his favorite study, Dr. Jordan mad a fine and extensive collection of nearly ten thousand specimens of fishes, reptiles and birds, but unfortunately these were all destroyed by a disastrous fire in 1883. With characteristic energy, he set to work to repair the damage, and soon had a better collection than ever. He has been a voluminous writer on scientific subjects; the greater part being devoted to his specialty, the fishes of the western states. He has gathered around him, at Bloomington, a school of students who have grown up under his care, imbibed his tastes and greatly assisted him in his scientific researches. The result of their conjoint labors and writings has been to make the state university the center of authority on subjects relating to biological work.