SIMON NEWCOMB, F.R.S., LL.D., D.C.L. xvii< 



illness, Professor Newcomb passed away July 13, 1909, leaving as 

 a heritage to his family and his country, the memory of 



One of those few immortal names 

 That were not born to die. 



I now have the pleasure of inviting your attention to this por- 

 trait, by C. H. L. Macdonald, in which you will recognize the features 

 of our late vice-president. Its presence here is due to the liberality 

 of a number of our fellow members who believe that in thus honor- 

 ing the memory of Professor Newcomb they are at the same time- 

 honoring themselves. 



Mr. chairman, in behalf of the committee having this matter in 

 charge, I beg to present this portrait to the Philosophical Society,, 

 not doubting that it will be considered worthy of a place beside those 

 of Frankhn and Rittenhouse and of these other distinguished men 

 who, in various activities, have contributed so greatly to the glory 

 of this society and of the nation. 



C. L. DOOLITTLE. 



Vice-President Pickering, in receiving the portrait, spoke sub- 

 stantially as follows : 



It is difficult to add to the statement just made, and to those of 

 others, any new facts regarding the life of Simon Newcomb. I 

 could only tell you of personal recollections which would not be in 

 place here. Our friendship, extending over forty years, was en- 

 livened by many differences of opinion, but never marred by hard 

 words or unkind feelings. It was never safe for anyone to make an 

 absolute statement to Newcomb unless they were prepared to defend 

 it by established facts. 



A striking characteristic of the work of Newcomb was its versa- 

 tility. Both astronomers and mathematicians regarded him as a 

 leader, while his contributions to philosophy, to political economy 

 and to other sciences were numerous and valuable. It was curious 

 to see how, after devoting a life to the older astronomy, he "became 

 deeply interested in astrophysics, at an age when many men cease to. 

 do useful work. 



