i9o6] CHANCE— BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE OF J. P. LESLEY. xi 



generally contributing a preface discussing matters of most striking 

 interest and disputed questions of geological nomenclature or theory. 

 These prefaces are clear, concise expositions of the subjects with 

 which they deal, so plainly written that the layman may read and 

 understand, yet often defining the nicest possible distinction between 

 opposing theories, ably and subtly reasoning for both sides — models 

 of terse, forceful English. 



Throughout this great task he never seemed to think of fame or 

 honor to be won through it for himself, invariably giving credit to 

 each assistant for the whole of his work, and reserving none for 

 himself. In thus recalling his unselfishness, we are unavoidably 

 reminded of the entire absence of anything like envy in his disposi- 

 tion. He never seemed conscious of professional jealousy, being 

 utterly incapable of it himself and failing to realize the possibility of 

 it in others. In this he towered far above the mass of his fellow 

 scientists, with few indeed of equal stature. It was characteristic of 

 the man to ignore as trivial the use of his work by others without 

 proper acknowledgment, although he was himself scrupulously par- 

 ticular never to offend others in this way. 



In devising necessary modifications of geological nomenclature 

 he was most careful to adopt from names already used by other geol- 

 ogists those appropriate and in common use, hesitating and generally 

 declining to formulate any system which would destroy or obscure 

 the work of others. 



While thus cautiously avoiding trespassing upon others and 

 ignoring trespass upon his own domain, he was severe in denouncing 

 charlatanism and scientific inaccuracy (which latter he regarded as 

 an almost equal sin, and one of which he was most impatient), yet 

 he was never bitter or vindictive, and when attacked by misrepre- 

 sentation or captious criticism? seemed to feel it beneath his dignity 

 and a waste of time to reply. 



Through the efforts of the board of commissioners, appropria- 

 tion after appropriation was secured for the continuance of the 

 survey, but without resort to political influence or the methods of 

 the lobbyist. He detested any appearance even of lobbying, holding 

 that the survey should stand or fall upon its merits as appraised by 

 the citizens of the state. 



