The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-07-22

Prot Christian Henry Frederick Peters who died Of
apopexy in the Litchhed observatory at Clinton last
Saturday morning. was probably the most curious
figure in American college life. He typical Ger
man professor OF vast learning appalling industry and
complete devotion to science He was generally ac-
knowedEed by tho alumni OF Hamilton College. where
he taught astronomy, to know more physics than the
Professor of Physics Latin than the Professor of
Latin, and more Greek than the Professor of GreoG
He was thoroughly acquainted with seven or eight
modern languages, from the roots up Politics 20.
litical economy were moro familiar to him than they
are TO nnetenths Of the leading professional men in
the great centres Of civilization. In his department ar
tronomy his fame second to that Of other living
man. Men who had not observed the iron routine of
his daily life could not understand how he found
TO learn and keep ready for use such great mines Of in
formation. Tho students OF Hamilton College, how
ever. know the secret
Every morning he rose In time for O'Clock break.
fast at tho house OF Prof Oren Root his best living
friend and the of his best dead friend Just opposite
the college campus Immediately after breakfast he
packed away two unbuttered rolls in the tail pocket of
his roony frock coat and ploddod of to the obssrva
tory. There he worked without intermiSSion, save
whom eating the two rola til! dinner At o'clock II
the night clear the cold might be 80 intense
the heat oppressive he hurried back me
observatory with hts aterdinneF cigar In his mouth
and worked till daylight few hours sleep and the
routine repeated.
Likes true German professor Prot Peters did not
feel very Intense interest In teaching the young
Of Hamilton College all he know about astronomy in
thirteen weekA He appeared In tho class room with
clookwork regularity during the term the astronomy
class met went through the lesson conscentiousiy,
held examination at the end Of the term and that
was ALL II young man recited we'll all right. IL he
recited poorly. all right too Prot Peters said that II
young had desire to learn, he had desire
mako him learn, for tho young man was the only
concerned, and therefore the only choose This
rather fatastic philosophy did not work out on the
earn Call
class men. who wished TO get free TO Join South Col
logo poker game often engaged friends to their
roll CALL ami to rsote for them IL necessary
in the astronomy clasA Prof Peters near
sighted to remark any inconRruilies Of appearance
which might result from such arrangements Not In
frequently three or four men would leap OF the
window Of tho class whio Prof Peters the
blackboard. II the old astronomers attention was
attracted by the shutting on OF light the clicking of
a heel the window sill he remarked indinerently,
"Der chenteman might choOBt a. veil go oudt der
door"
lie was tremendously polite and kind. II student
touched his hat Prof Peters raised his II student
raised his hat and made deep bow, Prof Peters raised
his hat higher and made deeper how. lie returned
every courtesy twofod He was guieless and unBus-
picous as little girl but could hate with phenomenal
bitterness He was ouSpoken concerning his dis
likes. Few less TO his liking than tho Rev.
DR.. Henry Darling, president Of the college. DR.. Oar
ling called to tho Presidency about years ago
the institution. He has raised the fund.- although
he has announced perennialy that he just on the
point OF doug go frof. Peters had patience with
this sort of thing and not long when the President
made his familiar announcement once more In faculty
meeting he commented sudibly; "Dere must bO q liar
somewhere Aboudt In dis room"
There have been probably few men OF greater cal
lantry toward women than Prof PeterA His mouth
full of old fashioned compliments Of tho most dat
tering kind and only glance from pair OF WomaA's
eyes was needed to open It. To him all women were
beautiful and admrabisAt least he acted apparently
this belief
Prof Peters was OF unique personal appearance He
OF medium height ana had blk. well-formed head
His walk was half slide and half troL q combination
produced by q gunAhot wound received In the Euro.
peAn revolution OF ls4s-is. His body bent forward
from the waist up and no always carried his hands
crossed his back lilo wore iron gray trouserA bag.
Psd AZ the knee and coat with tails that swung in
time with the peculiar motions OF his gait. His hair
was thin and his eyes buged slightly His curiOuA ways
and person. well his natural courtesy and kind.
mesa rendered him exceedingly popular with tho stu.
dents who called him "TWinkle," gave him two boXss
OF three cigars nj tho OF the astrSn
omy term. and bowed Eood.by to him the com
msncement stage with a curious mixture Of respect
amusement and Affection