SILAS WHITCOMB HOLMAN. 655 



contains in convenient form a very compendious and lucid consideration 

 of the application of the principles of least squares to the theory of obser- 

 vations, the calculation of their precision and the choice of proportions in 

 designing physical apparatus to be used for measurement. Its value as 

 a text-book has been verv great. 



The collection of four and five place logarithmic tables prepared in 

 1896 embodies several features of marked originality, and is prefaced by 

 a brief but exceedingly useful discussion of the fundamental principles of 

 computation which contains many useful suggestions for the economizing 

 of labor. 



The last work written by Professor Holman, entitled " Matter, Energy, 

 Force, and Work," appeared in 1898, and is of a character widely differ- 

 ent from any of those which preceded it. It is a philosophical study of 

 the fundamental concepts of modern physics in which the subject is 

 approached from the point of view that matter and energy rather than 

 matter and force are the primary entities with which physics has to deal, 

 and that matter itself may be dependent upon energy for its own existence. 

 While not technical in its character, and intended especially for the help 

 of teachers not wholly familiar with modern views, it is distingui.slied 

 throuo'liout by great clearness, and is a remarkable presentation of the 

 newer modes of viewing the subjects which it considers. 



Valuable as are his scientific publications, however, Professor Holman 's 

 great work was that of a teacher of young men in the laboratory. From 

 the beginning of his service as an assistant in the Rogers Laboratory of 

 Physics, his influence was marked, and by his patient labors, extending 

 through years, he brought the work which was under his charge to a 

 high state of development. He possessed great skill in the planning of 

 apparatus and methods, and rare judgment as to the processes best 

 suited either for purposes of instruction or for the securing of accurate 

 scientific results. To the development of the Laboratory of Electrical 

 Measurements in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he gave for 

 years his best endeavors, and to him is due the success of its work. He 

 was also placed in charge of the newly-instituted Laboratory of Heat 

 Measurements, and though prevented by failing health from developing 

 this as he would have chosen, he laid a solid foundation for those coming 

 after him. 



Professor Holman was born a teacher, and never grew weary in his 

 profession. His personal relations with his pupils were very intimate. 

 By that example which is better than the wisest |)recept, he impressed 

 upon them the pre-eminent necessity of thoroughness, accuracy, and 



