x PREFACE 



The book has been made possible by the liberality of 

 the Society for American Fellowships in French Univer- 

 sities, which has borne all the expense of publication. 



The ultimate and cardinal mission of the book will be 

 an act of homage to French science. Let the scholars 

 of France know that their American colleagues are eager to 

 pay this just tribute ! The great place of France in the 

 world of knowledge - - the place that it always has 

 held and always will hold can never be forgotten by 

 their debtors on this side of the ocean. 



The men who wrote this book are qualified to speak 

 on their subjects; a glance at their names will show that 

 their word is decisive. They represent American schol- 

 arship. They have spoken frankly, sincerely, and 

 judicially, without reserve or exaggeration. 



Their message goes out to the American people. 

 May it convey some fresh light to our fellow-countrymen, 

 and help to fix in their conviction the true status of 

 French learning in the world! 



This book was planned and begun towards the end of 

 the year 1915; and in presenting it now, when the bonds 

 of mutual esteem and gratitude between France and 

 America have been drawn even more closely, the Authors 

 believe that they are not only pointing the youth of our 

 country to splendid sources of knowledge and wisdom, 

 but are also serving, in the measure of their ability, to 

 strengthen and confirm that comradeship of scholars 

 which symbolizes the enduring friendship of the two 

 nations. 



THE EDITOR. 



June, 1917. 



