BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORANDA 



In our memory he stands in his accustomed place in the council 

 chamber, holding forth in his characteristic attitude, advising and 

 warning and offering a solution; and we knew that it was right to 

 accept his council and to pursue the path that he laid out. On special 

 occasions we would ask Kluyver to be our leader, and we felt secure 

 and protected. To him we could go with our troubles, and we were met 

 with endless patience for our questions, and received attention and 

 understanding, consolation and strength. 



Truly, towards him whom we have lost, all words seem powerless. 

 His profundity and versatility silence us. But we have always known 

 that he was not just an exceptional scientist, but first and foremost a 

 great and complete human being, and that his talents were alloyed 

 with a noble steadfastness of character, and a tender, deep-seated 

 sensitivity. About inessentials he could talk playfully, even flippantly; 

 but he never compromised when faced with fundamentals. In him 

 there was room for the significant side by side with the fleeting, and 

 without endangering the unity. He who worked at the farthest borders 

 was at the same time attentive to the daily chores. 



And another combination of opposites: his mind that was so supple, 

 full of esprit, and open to the unknown, liked to preserve an old but 

 meaningful form. In his style of life the dignity of the magistrate 

 could harmoniously be blended with the utmost simplicity. Order, 

 justice, and balance conferred upon him the invulnerability on which 

 one could build and trust. The word 'classical' comes to mind; and 

 another, 'self-possession' in its multiple connotations. 



This rich life has now come to an end. In a spirit of reverence and 



affection, deeply moved and in sorrow, the University commemorates 



him, and is grateful for what it has been vouchsafed in the person of 



Kluyver. 



O. Bottema 



I 5 8 



