ADAM ECKFELDT was born in Philadelphia, June 15, 1769. He was trained to mechanical pursuits by his father, who was a large manufacturer of edge-tools and implements. On the establishment of the Mint he was engaged to construct some of the machinery for it. He built the first screw-coining presses. The contrivance for ejecting the piece from the collar, together with some other mechanical appliances, were his invention. In an old pay-roll of 1795 (see page 12), we find the name of “Adam Eckfeldt, Die Forger and Turner.” His official connection dates from January 1, 1796, when he was appointed Assistant Coiner by Director Boudinot, with the consent of President Washington. Upon the death of Henry Voigt, Mr. Eckfeldt was appointed to succeed him as Chief Coiner, and remained in that position until he resigned, in 1839. He continued to visit the Mint for some years after; and he is yet remembered as a hard worker in the Mint, without compensation. For half a century he was one of the central figures of the Mint service. His mechanical skill, his zeal, energy, and uprightness, brought him many distinctions, both as an officer and a citizen. In his letter of resignation he warmly recommends the appointment of Franklin Peale, in the following terms: “I feel it my duty, in leaving office, to recommend that my place be filled by Mr. Franklin Peale, the present Melter and Refiner. Our close association as fellow-officers has made me acquainted with his peculiar qualifications, and I therefore know him to be fitted for the situation; and I do not know any other person that is.” He had a high ideal of what a chief coiner should be. Mr. Eckfeldt died February 6, 1852, in his 83d year. FRANKLIN PEALE was the son of Charles Willson Peale, the eminent artist and founder of Peale’s Museum. Born in the Hall of the American Philosophical Society, October 15, 1795, he was presented to the society by his father, when four months old, as “the first child born in the Philosophical Hall,” and with a request that the society should name him. He was accordingly named after the chief founder and first President of the Society—Franklin.