136 ELISHA KENT KANE. 



and formidable cavalry in the memorable battle of 

 the Pyramids. It is erroneous, indeed, always to 

 associate great mental power with an immense quan- 

 tity of muscle and flesh, for they are rarely combined 

 together; and the case of Dr. Kane was an additional 

 illustration of this fact. But over his fragile frame 

 and in his expressive countenance there was diffused 

 that stamp of pure and high intellect, which always 

 casts so undefinable a glory over the perishable body 

 which enshrines it. 



A prominent peculiarity of his mind was its capa- 

 city for intense, spasmodic, and prolonged activity. 

 His faculties were keen, penetrating, vigorous, and 

 persistent. It was his fashion to master every thing 

 to which he seriously devoted his attention. He 

 was bold, sometimes even to rashness ; and to this 

 peculiar quality are to be ascribed many of the most 

 remarkable adventures of his life. He was not de- 

 ficient in self-respect ; but, on the contrary, he was 

 marked by the dignity and decorum characteristic 

 of the well-bred gentleman. His scientific attain- 

 ments were extensive, as his published works un- 

 answerably prove. But a more valuable quality than 

 even these consisted in his practical shrewdness, 

 energy, stability, and decision of character. All 

 these combined together were necessary to constitute 

 the extraordinary character which he possessed, and 



