The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-04-12

would begin on the subject chosen, speaking
with an abundance Of detii, and yet with broad
general views and with philosophical conclu-
sions. AZ regards his passion for collecting
specimens ana organizing museums. he was in
satlable, and is declared to have had n real
mania for acquiring and keeping everything: he
never rejected any specimen or drawing.
Nv.
In some final pages, the blographer compares
the personality of Louis Agassiz with that of
his master, George Cuvler, both of whom have
strongly marked the natural history of the mid
die of the nineteenth century. Both born at the
foot OF the Jura Mountains, they were descended
from families essentially Jurassic and Protest
ant, which included Protestant ministers. Their
youth was passed in countries using the Ger
man language; Cuvier's at Stuttgart and Agas-
siz's at Bienne, Zurich. Heidelberg, and Mu-
mich. On both Of them German education
left indelible marks, more especially during
the first half of their scientific life.
Cuvier WI. above all. a careful OBJ
server OF Ia AgassiZ, on the contrary, was
inclined to IL. Ze; his brilliant imagination
was constantly alert. Cuvier was IN excellent
practical geologist. Not so Agassiz; his active
spirit would not allow him to follow patiently
the long, tedious, and often fatiguing researches
of practical geology. He wanted the results
which he could promptly obtain from the
drawers, the shelves. and the glass cases of
large collections. There Agassiz had not his
equal, being even quicker than Cuvier. Both
possessed an extraordinary memory, and both
were remarkably gifted with the faculty of order:
both were capable of persistent application,
and, at the same time. both worked with great
facility. On the other hand, neither was inven-
tive; they both could observe facts sharply. but
neither of them fhpuuht NJ linkin1 sacta hy
theories calculated to conduct to the discovery
of other facts. Herein they presented a strong
contrast to Lamarck. Darwin, and Huxley, who
looked forward to the future. prophesied, and
were always ready to call to their help n.y.
potheses and probabilities. Physically, Cuvie-
and Agasslz resembled each other in pos
sessing enormous heads and largely developed
brains. while neither Lnmarck nor Darwin was
abnormal as regards size and internal develop
ment ofthe skull. In a crowd Culver and Agassiz
always attracted attention, and were distin-
guished at once as uncommonly fne-looking
men. Cuvier and Agassiz were both unwilling
to regard science and religion a, irreconcilable,
and. from their education and their connection
with Professionalism, did not feel justified In ac-
cepting facts which seemed probable only. but
which lacked substantial and repeated proofs.
in DR.. MARQUIS opinion, neither
of them was hypocritical, for both had
too great a respect for science to de-
serve so grave a condemnation. Boue's
is quoted in q footnote, but with dis
What Boue said was translates
the French: Among scientists OF renown,
Cuvicr is not the only one who preferred hypoc-
risy 20 truth. the best known example being
that of Agassiz. In order to fortify his position
in Massachusetts and to secure the power Of
founding a superb geological museum at Cam
bridge, he passed beneath the Caudine forks Of
the most absurd Methodistical Professionalism"
is pronounced by the biog rapher a striking
OF Misrepresentation and If misunder-
standing of the true position Of Agassiz in
Massachusetts. W. NJ. II.