EVARISTE GALOIS 87 



1826-1827 



This pupil, though a little queer in his manners, is very gentle 

 and seems filled with innocence and good qualities. . . . He never 

 knows a lesson badly: either he has not learned it at all or he 

 knows it well. . . . 



A little later: 



This pupil, except for the last fortnight during which he has 

 worked a little, has done his classwork only from fear of punish- 

 ment. . . . His ambition, his originality — often affected — the 

 queerness of his character keep him»aloof from his companions. 



1827-1828 



Conduct rather good. A few thoughtless acts. Character of which 

 I do not flatter myself I understand every trait; but I see a great 

 deal of self-esteem dominating. I do not think he has any vicious 

 inclination. His ability seems to me to be entirely beyond the aver- 

 age, with regard as much to literary studies as to mathematics. . . . 

 He does not seem to lack religious feeling. His health is good but 

 delicate. 



Another professor says: 



His facility, in which one is supposed to believe but of which I 

 have not yet witnessed a single proof, will lead him nowhere: 

 there is no trace in his tasks of anything but of queerness and 

 negligence. 



Another still: 



Always busy with things which are not his business. Goes down 

 every day. 



Same year, but a little later : 



Very bad conduct. Character rather secretive. Tries to be 

 original. . . . 



Does absolutely nothing for the class. The furor of mathematics 

 possesses him. ... He is losing his time here and does nothing but 



