New-York tribune., 1902-06-08
AT THE VOLCANOES MOUTH
PROFESSOR HEILPRIN'S DARING AS
CENT OF MONT PELEE-HIS SCI
ENTIFIC CAREER AND THRILL
ING EXPERIENCES.


Geologist geographer. explorer and all around
scientist-that, in nutshell. is Professor Angelo
Heilprin who has just made the perilous trip to the
top of Mont Pelee to wrest from the crater its
secrets. in the interests of science Professor Hell
prin closet scientist; when he has needed 1acts
he has not delved in books for them but mas gone
to Nature herself.
When not travelling Professor Heilprin makes
his home in Philadelphia, where he takes an active
part in the work of scientific bodies. AS
president of the Philadelphia Geographical So
ciety he contributed largely to the success Oh tnat
body in the field of research and exploration
Professor HeilDrin is a man of many accom-
pishments To those who have regarded MIN ohiy
as a scientist, the fact that he is also shllleu
artist and musician comes with surprise his
paintfngs have appeared in number OF exposltiois
The record of Professor Helprns scientinc ois-
coveries is written in his books, but for record
of his experiences one must go further- !iooest
and unassumng, Professor Heprln can pe III
duced to talk freely any subject except MINI
self He has faced death fully a score OF times
but it is only from the lips of his companions that
the details of these escapes have become known
1t was this characteristic of the man that led
George Kennan, who accompanied Professor Hell
prin on the ascent of Mont Peee TO remark
Il must pay the highest possible tribute 10 Hell
prin He is modest and brave a superb noun
taineer and the nerviest and pluckiest man ever
knew. The ascent was the most terrifying expert
ence of my life
mind are illustrated by his experience while max
ing the ascent Mount Orizaba, in Mexico several
years ago His only companion was guide,
through whom the story became public. The guide
was about thirty feet ahead of Professor Hellprln
and the two were attached to the same rope
They were ascending an ice slope, when the guide
slipped and came skmming down the slope. gaining
speed every moment. few yards behind Pro-
fessor Heilprin precipce and he realized
that if the guide went he would be dragged
after him. One alternative was to cut the rope and
save himself. but he chose the other alternative
Placing himself directly in the guides path he
braced himself and waited in the hope of stopping
the mans progress The impetus the guide had
gained was SO great, however, that Heprfn was
knocked from his feet and the two men slid toward
the edge of the precipice. There was no rock or
tree clutch. and the two had given themselves
up for lost when sudden dip in the ice slackened
their speed and enabled them to come TO halt
When they arose to their feet again they found
themselves within yard of the edge of the preci-
pice Professor Heilprn induced the terror stricken
guide to resume the interrupted ascent, and the
men reached the summit of Mount Orizaba with
out further mishap
IN appearance Professor Heilprin is a short.
slightly built nervous looking little with
sandy mustache. Born at Satoralja-U -Ujhely. Hun
gary in 1S53 he brought to this country by his
parents when he was only three years old. His
father was Michael Heilprin. Hebrew scholar.
Professor Heilprin began his literary work as an
assistant TO his father in the revision Of the Amer
Young Heilprn's inclination for sesntific ,es work
ea@ Of b here m he Went abroad
for scientific study. From Huxley he learned biol
gg fom JUDI a ade ch ach that
in 1877 he received the Forbes medal From Eng
Geneva. and later to the museums of Florence and
Alter travelling through Europe he returned to
the United States in 1879. and a year ater was
the Academy of Natural Sciences PHILADELPHIA
b he an R @ %as Gf MAGE @
in charge of the academy, a position he continued
" Professor ro 5or record as an explorer is
remarkable one. He has organized scientific ex'
ca and Mesco It was in the last named country
fh sn onn adf Gt ali had long
been thought to be the highest peak on the NORTH
that this distinction was due to Mount 0rizaba
which is IS 200 feet high Scientists IldGuieo ms
Professor Heilprin's part in arctic exploration
Greenland the interests OF science, and in 1892
hs the o the the Of
Heilprn's services to the cause OF arcnc expioTa-
named one of the largest glaciers in the world for
him 1t forms the eastern side of Inglef1eid Gulf
Professor HeiIprin is the author of Town Geol-
and nd eoogca c of
Animals. "Explorat tions in the okeechobee Wilder
ESi Evidences Of Evolution, The Arctic PToSem
and THE m s hsF'9 fe Snd veays S Hs,r
made trips to Africa and the Klondike. His ex-
plora tions of the Atlas Mountains and the Desert
of Sahara have not yer resulted in any books. but
after his journey 10 the gold regions of the North
ana the Klcndike."
Professor Heiprin is rapid and fluent talker
and the best of stenographers have a hard
time keeping up with him. He frequently appears
the lecture platform. but 1T is always speak
different topic. His grasp of scientific sub
tects is remarkably comprehensive. and no matter
what topic comes UP in the course of discussion
Professor Heilprn is ready to speak on It. The
subject of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions has
always possessed a special interest for him.