New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-01

science which he may he said to have founded.
1t Investigations upon the Development
Of the Cmnium' lie founded, too, the Society
of Anthropology. and has long acted its presi-
dent. In prosecuting his Investigations he has
travelled over the greater part of The
world, and measured thousands and thousands
of heads. He has established the measurements
for comparative anthropology, and collected race
data such as no other man ever did lie has induced
the various Governments of Europe TO present
statistical reports regarding the color of the hair
and eyes Of their school children His successes
were endless His studies in anthropology led
him to the study of archaeology. He became the
friend and defender Of Schliemann. The discov-
cries at Troy due almost as much to his knowl-
edge and encouragement as to the great explorer
himself. At Settlements death Ernst Curtius
pronounced Virchow the only living man able TO
complete his undertakings His work has been so
vast SO varied so multifold, that no sketch can
even outline it. " His life has been dozen lives"
virchow entered Parliament in 1859, and cast
his lot was natural to expect with the Liberals.
Bismarck had no opponent whom he so feared
throughout his career as Virchow. Year after
year he champoned the right Of the House to con-
troll the budget. None held the privileges of tho
representatives Of the people so dear. SO bitter.
indeed, became the differences between himself
and the famous Chancellor that they ended in
challenge to duel. But the duel, owing to the
mediation Of friends. was never fought.
For thirty-two years he has been a member, too,
of the City Council of the capital. To him are
due the canals of the city, its excellent sanitary
measures, its hospitals, and, in a great measure.
its celebrated schools Nothing seems to have es-
capped his watchful eye. Small ?' asks Leasing
in Nathan the Wise What is too small for
a great man. That might be taken as virchows
motto. He, at least, has proved it true.
Despite his numerous avocatiOns, he never
neglected his chief vocation. Almost every year
some great work has appeared from his prolific
pen. His Swelings," Theory of Trichinae,"
Goethe as a Naturalist" Collection of Popular
Scientific Lectures" Concerning the National
Development and Significance of the National
Sciences" have all been epoch-making As dis
tingushed critic said, it is difficult to say whether
Virchow is greater as physician, anthropologist
archaeologist, hysienist, politician, organizer
teacher, author or editor.
Despite his duties he is easy of access, and is
ever ready TO respond TO a tale Of distress. In his
study at home and in his office in the Charite-both
filled with Of uls, skeletons. books mar
uscripts. instruments, boxes and presents from all
parts Of the wOrld-he is besieged by callers.
He turns, however, few away. Truly, he may
ask When am l alone ?"
Helmholtz has almost ar many qualities OF the
genius as his famous colleague He too,
began active life as physician in the service Of
the Government His career has been compare
lively uneventful, and is almost entirely free from
those picturesque incidents which attract the lay
man or general reader. lie has had no lole
days; his time has been devoted u science. lie
has taken no part in politics; he has manifested
no interest In the development of his country or
the growth and perfection Of the city In which
he cast his lot. He never ascends tine platform
unless TO speak upon scientific subjects; he never
writes unless 10 proclaim new theory, defend an
old one. or to answer personal attack. lie passed
twenty years after his graduation professor OF
in the universities Of Koenigsberg, Bonn
and Heidelberg. AT the dinner given in honor
Of his call to Berlin by his colleagues of the
Rupcrta Garcia" OF the Neckar city, Professor |
KirchhofI delivered the formal address, and wished
All" exclaimed Professor Bunsen at the time, !
Helmhofzs fame is assured. When even the |
Kirchhof' lchurchyardl wishes him long life, he
In 1871 he came 10 this city as the successor
II Gustsve Magnus. professor OF physics. lie has |
retained that place ever since his return u Ber.
in. To-day he is the head, too, Of the Imperial |
Technical Institute of Physics in Charottenburg |
The Government, in professional way, can con
er no higher sJ hon'r Iron him NE @ oSTs
works upon The Conservation of Force, - The |
Handbook Of Physiological Optics The Theory |
II the Impressions Of sound, the discovery Of the
lie looks forward TO other victories, and wishes |
o add other laurcls TO his crown. Few men, few
or naval heroes, have been SO honored on
heir SEVENTEEN birthday as Nirchow and Helm
loltz. Addresses. honorary titles, presents, were
hrust upon them without number Every civil /
zed land Paid its tribute 10 their genius. The
Germans have siill other distinctions in store for
hem. The students next month will give
oint celebration IN honor of the two men IL
will IT, attended BY the greatest sons Of Germany,
Who will join In singing the praises Of the men Of
vhom all are proud. But science Is not national
Is discoveries and it's vofaries belong the world
cboars in all countries join with the Germans in
,ifhing many happy. fruitful days to Wicklow and
ielmholtz.