2 Prof. K. F. H. Marx^s Memoir of the Life and 



slcetches wliicli he drew with chalk, on a board, by the exhibi- 

 tion of representations and preparations, and by the happy 

 quotation of well-known sayings. He thought it of conse- 

 quence that his pupils should learn from him the art of seeing ; 

 but he also believed it necessary that, according to circum- 

 stances, they should hear, smell, and taste. 



The means he employed in his instructions were extremely 

 varied ; but it is very difficult to give a satisfactory account 

 of them, for they were too intimately combined with his pecu- 

 liar personal appearance and manner. It was necessary to 

 hear himself speak with his expressive countenance and action ; 

 with his remarkable tone of voice, which sometimes awakened 

 attention by its abrupt interruptions, sometimes by its sur- 

 prising inflections ; and with the impressive energy by means 

 of which he was able to give life as it were to the natural ob- 

 jects exhibited, and to present them in the most unexpected 

 points of view. 



I could adduce many examples of the original and witty 

 modes of expression with which he invested the topics he treat- 

 ed of, but I fear that these would appear in a false light, de- 

 prived of the charm of his imitative representations, and 

 unsupported by his lively though invariably dignified demean- 

 our. It may appear as though Blumenbach placed especial 

 value on what was singular and curious ; but it must be evident 

 to those who look more deeply into such matters, that, while 

 undoubtedly he was attracted by what was out of the usual 

 course, it was chiefly on this account, because such subjects 

 remained unnoticed by others, or because they aflbrded him 

 the means of directing attention to facts of real scientific value. 



Should we be inclined to ascribe the rare success which, in 

 an unabated degree, attended this celebrated teacher for more 

 than half a century, partly to the influence of authority, which 

 formerly was much more powerful than it now is ; should we 

 find a further explanation in the fact of there being no rival 

 in his department, in a university so amply provided on other 

 subjects, and that by reason of his whole external position, as 

 well as his constant good health, he was enabled to concentrate 

 for his immediate pui^poses all the means that were available ; 

 yet still we must be astonished at the greatness of his person- 



