4 Ellen M. Richards [Sept. 



interesting to know that although Mrs. Richards taiight only men 

 in her classes at the Institute of Technology, she beheved that the 

 greatest help for and reformation of our people in the matters of 

 sane, intelHgent Hving would be brought abotit at the hands of our 

 women. Her faith in vvomen was unbounded and that it was not 

 misplaced is shown by the way thousands, all over the country, 

 have responded to her call. 



In the earlier years of her scientific career Mrs. Richards 

 devoted her energy to the creation and development of her depart- 

 ment of chemistry, but in her later years, her most earnest thought 

 and her greatest interest were dedicated to the preservation and 

 proper development of the home. She considered it the most fun- 

 damental basis for civilization and the most precious center for our 

 development. Thus it became the focus of all her scientific efforts. 

 And so it was that she believed that the greatest hope for the future 

 development of the race rested upon such a scientific training of our 

 women as would enable them to understand nutrition, hygiene, the 

 proper care of children, and the orderly and sanitary conduct of the 

 home and all its affairs. As she has often said : " The fundamental 

 requirement for progress in applying science is the acquisition of 

 science to apply." 



It is undoubtedly true that a large part of Mrs. Richards' success 

 as a leader and as one who achieved was due to her powerful per- 

 sonality. A woman of broad sympathies, she was wont to say: 

 "Learn to look at people for what they can do, not for what they 

 cannot." She had faith and a curious ability to bring out the best 

 that a person could give. Her delightful humor and practical 

 sense saved many a Situation from failure. Her influence as a 

 leader was subtle and indescribable. Piain, direct, honest, — with a 

 passion for ethical truth, she gave one a sense of strength rarely 

 encountered. She was intensely inspiring to both men and women, 

 and deeply beloved. Professor Sedgwick has well said: "Other 

 women may become experts in water analysis and preside over 

 laboratories, but no one hereafter can possibly gain the peculiar 

 historic equipment which feil to Mrs. Richards. Other women, 

 may, and, no doubt, will make addresses and write books upon 

 sanitation and homes, but no one eise can ever do these things as 

 Mrs. Richards did them, for the reason that she was herseif an 

 evolution, and represented an epoch." 



Emily C. Seaman. 



