Scientists and Philosophers 215 



From this point on, however, candor forces one to admit 

 that Louis takes another great step in advance. He revolu- 

 tionized the teaching of biology in America, and the effect 

 of this was felt all over the world. Introducing laboratory 

 methods to all classrooms of school and college was a real 

 innovation, and his marvelous ability as a lecturer made 

 him one of the most revered and popular geniuses in 

 America. No other naturalist was ever known to so many 

 people. None was ever so universally beloved. Alexander 

 was too shy to teach, nor did he lecture well. As a matter of 

 fact I think I heard him speak on only one occasion, and 

 it was obvious he hated to do it just as much as I do. The 

 tragic death of his lovely young wife but a few days after 

 the death of his father had a deep effect upon his inner- 

 most nature, as any frightful grief affects a man. He had a 

 quick, fiery temper, sharp likes and dislikes, but beneath 

 his rather forbidding and stern exterior he had a warm, 

 affectionate nature, and he was always kind and encouraging 

 to young men. I recall that we brought back a strange 

 sponge from our first very amateurish dredging trip in the 

 Bahamas, and he took the greatest interest in helping me 

 try to find its name, admiring its beauty and otherwise 

 showing a friendly interest. 



His father was no better businessman than I am. Alex- 

 ander developed great mines, made money for himself and 

 many others, and was unbelievably generous to the Museum. 

 To be sure he was interested in some departments and 

 neglected others. But who had a better right? Mr. W. E. 

 Cory told me that he considered Mr. Agassiz very extrava- 

 gant as a mine executive, but here again the proof of the 

 pudding is that the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company 



