12 WILLIAM KEITH BROOKS 



nature more clearly shown than here. His knowledge of botany 

 was also constantly drawn upon whenever he dwelt on problems 

 of heredity, variation, adaptation, etc. 



Brooks' affection for nature was also expressed in his observ- 

 ations on the common domestic animals about him. The exact 

 nature of this interest was unique to my experience, until I heard 

 him read aloud from the pages of Gilbert White. Then I realized 

 how the students of Brooks were being kept in contact with, and 

 inspired by, a spirit which had survived as a legacy, transmitted 

 to this true naturalist from a former century. 



Brooks' influence extended also to undergraduates and he im- 

 pressed beginners in a manner which carries a lesson to our bio- 

 logical teachers. The routine of facts to be perceived was left 

 to the books and the laboratory assistant; Brooks brought out in 

 graphic lectures, the larger aspects of biology. With him, details 

 invariably led to some interesting relation or law. He drew well 

 and deliberately on the blackboard, and was direct, simple, and 

 clear. The result was to give an impression of nature as a sys- 

 tem of interesting problems, glimpses of life-histories, adapta- 

 tions, and action. All was alive and presented by an intimate 

 friend. The student listened to a master. 



Many who may not be recognized as students of Brooks have 

 thus had awakened in them an interest in nature, and an insight 

 into her methods, which made a lasting impression upon them. 

 This is affirmed by a number of those now conspicuous in the fields 

 of medical science and practice who heard these lectures. 



More than one undergraduate was diverted into a life-long de- 

 votion to biological science by this man who stood so steadfastly 

 for the highest ideals of research in this field. His talks of 

 nature were most persuasive, and presented to the minds of his 

 listeners a vivid picture of the blue sea, the coral reefs, and the 

 wonderful adjustments of the life with which they teem. This 

 vision was so real as to supplant all ordinary motives of life, and 

 inspire the sympathetic listener with the desire to follow the path 

 of so genuine a leader. 



It was not difficult to arouse his interest. Anyone who made 

 a sane observation of nature could kindle it as readily as an ex- 



