In spite of the research, the vast knowledge, and the deep wells of information that were drawn on in the formation of his volumes, there was a continuing realization of the danger of error, especially in taking, without verification, material compiled by others. And so from the first Quarterly instalment to the last and in each preface there was an appeal for corrections and suggestions. From the beginning the search was for the fact, the truth, the correct date, the right initials, the proper spelling. Once an error was demonstrated, a correction was cheerfully recorded for the next volume.
Following the Oregon Historical Quarterly instalments that went to the making of the first edition, there appeared five new groups of names in the issues of the Quarterly from December, 1943, and these, with the corrections, and other names and their stories made the new material in the second edition. The third and last assembly began in the Quarterly for December, 1945. In this group there were fifteen instalments altogether, continuing through the issue for June, 1949. After the first, the caption sub-head was the telephone phrase given wide currency by the popular radio program "Information Please," thus still expressing the wish for more facts. These fifteen instalments provide the new material in the third volume.
It was but natural that in the first edition of Oregon Geographic Names there would be included the more important and better known Oregon place names. The third edition contains 3,947 place names, many of which are post offices of but a temporary life. However, as a result of Tam McArthur's efforts, they are assured their place in Oregon local history.
With all his mental activity, no man ever suffered more from progressive physical impairment. But his patience knew no limits and to his last days he had a casual wit and a straight-faced humor. All in all, he was a most remarkable man. In his younger day he was often referred to as a "walking encyclopedia." His accomplishments in his older days proved this to be true.
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