The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-09-14

1913, AFTER Wllcn ne llVeu almost permdueutls
in Berlin, and, although far advanced in years,
continued to devote his time to scientific stu
dies, and finished his last important work,
Cosmos" published in Stuttgart, in three
volumes, in 1852.
Humboldt breathed his last on the 9Th of
May, 1859, ir the 90Lh year Of his age. The
activity OF the naturalist usually takes one of
two directions. He either seeks to gather q
rich store of facts, observations and special
researc hes, or, else, he works up into whole
the results OF his own labors and those of
others with view to the extension of the then
existing stock of knowledge and the rejection
of old materials which may have become use
less. Few, indeed. are they who have labored
equally we'll in both directions. For this re.
qures not only profound, but many-sided
knowledge, great talent OF observation and
the gift generalization, i. e. the gift OF seizlng
quickly the important and Characteristic points
which bind together facts and support, and
elucidate them. Such vas Humboldt. Striking
are those of his labors in which, comparing
the treasures OF his experience with those OF
every age, from the beginning down to his own
day, he deduces with admirable clearness the
most astounding results. To him, OF right,
belongs the credit Of having created new
science, the geography Of plants, in which
these are compared with the phenomena of the
physical world. In his hands botany became
an attractive science. BE studied the Influence
of plants on the soil, on the condition Of ma
tions, and on the historical development Of the
human race from the beginning. In fact, he
created new school Of observers. These as
tonishing results, described in language 80
simple, will ever remain model for posterity.
But, besides accuracy OF description, we also
find in his writings poetical conception of
nature, strikingly correct imagery and exquis-
ite taste. How many thousands are there OF
even uuscientiic readers, who have been car
ried away by his views of nature in the tropics.
The proper limits of this notice will not ad-
NIT OF catalogue Of his numerous and varied
publications. We shall only return to his last
years, cosmos, or Sketch of the Physical
Description OF the World" which contains, in
one harmonious whole, the result of his vast
experience, told with nobleness Of language
that must strike every cultivated thinker. Ma.
ture ia here considered as living whole,
moved and animated by internal forces, and
we have description Of the world, in its high
est and most comprehensive sense. No work
in the field of science has ever had so power
full an effect on all classes Of men, and it is
therefore not surprising that its appearance
was hailed as o literary event. Translated
into all the languages Of Europe, and thus
finding its way over the whole civilized globe,
it has called its existence a Cosmos literature.
In constant relation with men of science,
Humboldt has often either directed their
efforts, or through his influence with govern
ments aud with learned bodies, sustained them.
Many o young observer, talented, but poor and
unknown, has been first brought into notice
by the great savant, and afterwards found in
him a jealous protector. To HIM also does
Prussia owe much OF the progress she has
made in the last few decades in the field Of
scientific studies. a spotless life, noble snd
unsefish character, eareesd for Humboldt the
love and respect Of his co-laborers and the sin
ceie attachment OF the princes Of his native land
With whom bis intercourse was frequent and
cordial. And it is meet, inacea, thath grateful
and admiring countrymsn should join Oh some
BETTING occasion to do honor to the memory
Of this great and good man.