TWO FUNERAL ORATIONS 



Out of the incomprehensible fullness of his being, Albert Jan Kluyver 

 has given so generously and in so many directions that a multitude of 

 people, here and elsewhere, must have cherished the impression that 

 he belonged to them; and they all must now feel dejected by a deep 

 sense of sadness and loss. He belonged to the world of his science which 

 has bestowed on him its most coveted honours. He belonged to this 

 country which he elevated and to which he brought fame whenever 

 he represented it abroad. He belonged to the city of Delft which he, 

 the world-renowned scientist, loved and served as a good and simple 

 citizen. He belonged to the Delft University, whose brilliant pupil he 

 once had been, and where for so many years he learned, taught, and 

 worked in that unique scientific position that one is tempted to call 

 a 'Regal Chair'. Above all, he belonged to his family, to his children 

 and their mother who preceded him. 



If, on the occasion of this last farewell, a few words are spoken on 

 behalf of the entire university, this is done in clear recognition of the 

 fact that within its confines, too, his activities and solicitude were so 

 diverse that many will experience the desire to bear witness to their 

 esteem and sorrow. In the first place we think of those who were his 

 collaborators in the secluded community of the quarters that were his 

 home and his workshop; who surrounded him with their daily cares; 

 and on whom the thought that they will never see him again must 

 leave an impression of unutterable emptiness. We think of the aca- 

 demic youth, the students to whom he was so deeply devoted; to 

 whom his anxiety and vigilant compassion went out during the dark 

 years; and whom, only a few days ago, he addressed on the science 

 of invisible life. I may speak, too, in the name of the Board of Trustees 

 and the Department of Chemical Technology who but recently, im- 

 pelled by their admiring respect, had jointly decided upon exceptional 

 provisions for the chair of microbiology, just because it was Kluyver's. 

 And I also speak on behalf of the Academic Senate, simply to say that 

 from its midst has been taken he who was incontestably the foremost. 



J 57 



