62 EEPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1909. 



lished privately, namely, "Woman's Share in Primitive Culture and 

 The Origin of Inventions, show his wonderful grasp of the details 

 of his science and these books still exert a world-wide influence. It 

 was due to Professor Mason's initiative that the Anthropological 

 Society' of "Washington was founded in 1879. He wrote its consti- 

 tution and remained deeply interested in it until the close of his life. 

 He was connected with many learned societies, and for eighteen years 

 was a member of the United States Geographic Board. 



" Much of the contribution of Professor Mason to the science of 

 anthropology was due to his fondness for teaching, and most persons 

 who came in contact with him carried away some of his enthusiasm. 

 Without doubt he inspired greater activity in the science of ethnology 

 than any other man of his generation. He was essentialh' an edu- 

 cator in every action and thought. He placed at the disposal of the 

 science and of workers in the science his knowledge as a linguist, a 

 mathematician, and inspired teacher. He was a systematist of the 

 first order and strove always for the extension of knowledge, but with 

 all his absorption in scientific work he found time to think of others 

 and give to every inquirer all the assistance in his power. He was 

 gentle, kindly, honorable, brave, and patient, a combination rarely 

 found. His personality radiated good cheer. His every thought of 

 the Museum was to make it more educational. The history of Pro- 

 fesssor Mason is bound up in the history of the National Museum 

 and Smithsonian Institution, and his pioneer work will still be a 

 potent influence on anthropology when his name ceases to be remem- 

 bered among men." 



