FRANKLIN STORY CONANT. xi 



After the sudden and alarming death of the director of the expedi- 

 tion, Dr. J. E. Humphrey, Conant took the burden of responsibility upon 

 himself, and while he fully appreciated his own great danger, he devoted 

 himself calmly and methodically to the service of others who, in their 

 afflictions, needed his help, and he fell in the path of duty, where he had 

 always walked, leaving behind him a clear and simple account of all the 

 business of the laboratory and of his scientific work, and of his own 

 affairs, complete to the day before his death. 



Immediately after the opening of the University in October his 

 friends and companions and instructors assembled to express the sorrow 

 with which they had heard the sad news of his death, and to record their 

 love and esteem for the generous, warm-hearted friend who in all the 

 relations of life had proved himself so worthy of their affectionate 

 remembrance. At this meeting those who had worked at his side in our 

 laboratories recalled his steadfast earnestness in the pursuit of knowl- 

 edge, and the encouragement they had found in his bright example; 

 while those who had been his instructors spoke of him as one who had 

 bettered their instruction and enriched all that he undertook by sound 

 and valuable observations and reflections. While all united in mourning 

 the untimely loss of one who had shown such rich promise of a life full 

 of usefulness and honor and distinction, it was pointed out with pride 

 that his end was worthy of one who had devoted it to the fearless pursuit 

 of truth, and to generous self-sacrifice and noble devotion to others ; and 

 it was resolved, " That we prize the lesson of the noble life and death of 

 Franklin Story Conant." 



