SIMON NEWCOAIB, F.R.S., LL.D., D.C.L. xv 



tation and to the untiring energy with which he planned and carried 

 out the undertaking. 



Professor Newcomb was a recipient of honorary degrees from 

 seventeen American and foreign universities ; academies and scien- 

 tific organizations throughout the world honored him with mem- 

 bership, decorations and medals, until the supply was almost ex- 

 hausted. Among others, he was one of the eight foreign associates 

 of the Institute of France, a distinction which had come to no other 

 American scientist since the time of Franklin. He was commander 

 of the Legion of Honor of France. From the German Emperor he 

 received the highest honor which he could bestow, viz., Knighthood 

 for ^lerit in Science and Art, a distinction held by no other native 

 American. The complete list is too long for this time and place. 



He was presented to Emperor William, to King Edward, the 

 kings of Italy and of Sweden, and the president of the French 

 Republic. 



A complete bibliography of Professor Newcomb's writings em- 

 braces about four hundred titles. A large variety of subjects, prac- 

 tically every phase of astronomical science, received some attention. 

 Many of these works are elaborate treatises embodying the labor 

 of years. There are papers on pure mathematics, on political econ- 

 omy, in which he was greatly interested, series of astronomical and 

 mathematical text-books, and many books and magazine articles of 

 a popular or semi-popular nature. The following are a few specimen 

 titles: "Reminiscences of an Astronomer," "Sidelights on Astron- 

 omy," The A. B. C. of Finance," " Principals of Political Economy," 

 " A Plain Man's Talk on the Labor Question," " Popular Astron- 

 omy," " Astronomy for Everybody." Translations of his books are 

 to be found in the German, Russian, Dutch, Norwegian, Bohemian 

 and Japanese languages. 



Professor Newcomb's ability to concentrate his attention strictly 

 on the matter in hand was a very important factor in accomplishing 

 what he did. This perhaps gave an impression of indifference and 

 unsociability in the minds of those who knew him only casually. 

 Naturally he had little patience with the too numerous class of 

 charlatans and cranks who are always ready to waste the time of a 



