A true history of human events would show that a far larger proportion of our acts are the result of sudden impulse and accident than of that reason of which we so much boast.

C. In addition the Union's library unlike the nearby Astor Mercantile and New York Society Libraries was open until 10:00 at night so that working people could make use of them after work hours. Throughout the depression from 1873–78 he said that usury was the foremost political problem of the day.

He designed and built the first steam locomotive in the U. and founded the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan New York City.