1873.] lb J [LeOonte. 



parallax — that is, by not recognizing the relative importance, subordina- 

 tion, and temporary variations of the manifold duties devolved upon 

 each member of the human family. 



"He was a fanatic for truthfulness and, fair dealing in science and 

 in everything else, and could not comprehend or make the least allowance 

 for circumstances that threatened to compromise right and wrong. Per- 

 fectly fearless himself, and worshipping pluck and courage as the chief 

 human virtues, he gave no quarter to the very shadow of equivocation 

 or unfairness, no matter whom it concerned."* 



It should also be observed, that although Prof. Frazer, judging by the 

 history of former systems of thought, was not inclined to adopt as final 

 truth what may prove to be merely scholastic teaching or glosses upon 

 mediaeval tradition, he was equally indisposed to cast aside the founda- 

 tions of thought, resting upon time-honored belief and long experience, 

 in favor of new systems of philosophy, in which the last half century has 

 been so fertile. He required, before a proposition should be received, 

 before it should be allowed to take the place of what preceded, that the 

 facts upon which it was supposed to rest should be well established. A 

 mere hypothesis, however specious, however ingenious, however pleasing 

 to the vanity of human intellect, by explaining to humblest comprehension 

 things not yet within the scope of our highest investigations (though 

 perhaps quite so in the not very remote future), could never with him 

 take the place of actual science. 



To superstition on the one side, to rash and ambitious generalization 

 on the other, as to all pretensions and shams of whatsoever nature — 

 scientific, social, political, financial, or religious — he was a most severe 

 enemy ; and it was these things, or rather semblances of things — the 

 spectres which afflict and deform our relations with others — that drew 

 out the bitter denunciations which I have alluded to above as being in- 

 tensified by the pains of disease, though having a natural origin in the 

 honesty of his nature. 



On the other hand, I have never heard from him, even in moments of 

 severe suffering, anything that was intended, and very rarely anything 

 that could be construed as personal. His criticisms, like those of the 

 highest and best examples of conduct, were aimed at classes or groups 

 of persons, looking rather for improvement in motive of action than to 

 punishment for individual offence. 



On the Monday after his death, Oct. 14th, 1872, the Faculties of Arts 

 and Sciences of the University met to do honor to his memory. Eloquent 

 addresses were made by several of his colleagues, and a series of resolu- 

 tions were adopted, expressing the severe loss, both to the institution and 

 tne community, in the death of Prof. Frazer. Similar action was taken 

 by the Society of the Alumni, and on the next day the body was followed 

 to the grave by an unusually large and respectable assemblage. 



Thus has passed from us one of the most highly educated men with 



* Lesley, 1. c. sup. p. 81. 



