PREFACE vii 



which it leads are not jealously kept within the precincts 

 of the temple, but are offered freely to the world : self- 

 help thus giving place to the higher attribute of help 

 for others. This virtue, with the qualities of self- 

 sacrifice, persistence, courage, duty, accuracy, humility, 

 and hope may all be abundantly exemplified from the 

 careers of men of science ; yet such instances are rarely 

 mentioned. From many countries and many times we 

 have gathered incidents and allusions which display the 

 nobility of scientific aims, and have accentuated them 

 with words of wisdom from the biographies and writings 

 of men who have devoted their lives to the extension of 

 natural knowledge. In substance the book thus largely 

 consists of selected testimony, while in intention it is a 

 stimulus to high endeavour. 



No attempt has been made to provide a complete 

 record, in chronological or any other order, of natural 

 philosophers and their triumphs, yet it is hoped that 

 not many points of outstanding human interest have 

 been overlooked. The aim has been eclectic rather 

 than exhaustive ; wherefore many scientific pioneers 

 are not mentioned, while others find a place not so much 

 on account of their distinguished eminence as because 

 events in their careers, or results of their work, create 

 a spirit of emulation in those who regard them. The 

 whole is presented with a deep sense of humility before 

 the extent and intricacy of scientific knowledge, and of 

 dissatisfaction at the gap which persists between design 

 and execution. 



It remains only to be said that though none of the 

 chapters have been published hitherto in their present 

 form, a few parts have appeared in contributions to the 

 Cornhill, Fortnightly, Nature, School World, Sunday al 

 Home, and other magazines during a period extending 



