724 SKETCH OF HEINRICH HERTZ. 



Suppress the lumiiiiferous ether, electric and magnetic forces would 

 cease to act through space. Even a body not casting light can be a 

 center of electrical action if it radiates heat. Electricity therefore pos- 

 sesses all nature and even man. The eye itself is, in fact, an electrical 

 organ. 



The influence of this new system of physics upon the development of 

 natural scien"e and the manifold applications in practical life of which 

 it is capable can not easily be overrated. Only recently a new a])plica- 

 tion of Hertz's discovery was made by an American, who is trying to 

 develop photographs by the agency of the Hertzian waves, as science 

 has named them — that is, by electricity instead of light. Hertzian 

 waves, Hertzian investigations, apparatus, and methods form hence- 

 forth an essential part of all hand and text books of electricity. The 

 facts established by Hertz's experiments have been molded into a math- 

 ematical formula by their author, who in this purely theoretical work 

 also has shown himself to be a master of high genius in the realm of 

 abstract science. There is at present in press and will soon be issued 

 by T. A. Barth, at Leipsic, a comprehensive work, entitled Principles of 

 Mechanics in a New Counection, found among his unpublislied i)aiiers 

 at the death of Professor Hertz. Its appearance is eagerly watched 

 for by the scientilic world. 



However highly his own time and posterity may i^rize the n)an of 

 science, the great discoverer, in Professor Hertz, his value as su<;h to 

 the world tit large does not surpass Ihat of the rare ])urity and great- 

 ness of his character, of the intrinsic merit which he possessed for 

 those who knew him ])ersonally. A world-wide reputation so rapidly 

 attained miglit have produced in the young man some feeling of 

 elation and pride and in his colleagues somewhat of envy. But, as 

 Prof. Hubert Ludwig, representing the University of Bonn, at Professor 

 Hertz's funeral in Hamburg, said in his memorial speech: 



" The rich harvest of fame and glory which was granted him, and 

 that was so fully merited as iu)t to be tainted by a single breath of envy 

 or jealousy, never caused him to gi\'e up one atom of the noble sim- 

 plicity and genuine modesty which were a fundamental trait of his 

 character. His modesty was a most lovable (piality in this great man, 

 asserting itself not only in everyday lile, but also in his scientific 

 labors, which it pervades with the endearing charm of an amiable per- 

 vsouality. It was coupled with the most considerate indnlgence when 

 judging others. His ever-ready recognition of other people's merits 

 made it a sheer imijossibility to grudge him his attainments or to be 

 his enemy. 



'None knew him but to love liini, 

 'None named him but to praise.' 



At the same time he was governed by an inflexible veracity." 



He was indeed a most lovable man, and was never happier than in 

 giving pleasure to others. His kindness and benevolence found exi)res- 

 sion in many ways, most of all toward those above whom he was placed 

 as head of bis department in the university. It was a pleasure to notice 



