34 The Life and Writings of 



their intercourse was necessarily a continual contrast 

 of ideas and theories determined, on the one hand, by 

 effete philosophical systems, and, on the other, by hasty 

 generalizations based upon incomplete knowledge of 

 natural surroundings. It was, in epitome, a renewal 

 of the long-continued warfare between the classics and 

 science, without that tempering of zeal and expression 

 which is so characteristic of real culture or of exact 

 knowledge. Rafinesque brought to the Kentucky metrop 

 olis of that day the habits of thought and views of 

 State polity which were the outgrowth of his foreign 

 birth and residence. From Sicily to Kentucky was 

 indeed a great change; little wonder is it that he did 

 not speedily adapt himself to these new conditions. 

 Evidently, his real place among his colleagues must be 

 estimated along other lines than those which found ex 

 pression through his associates in Transylvania Univer 

 sity. The beginning of the Kentucky life of Rafinesque 

 was marked by a signal misfortune. With Clifford he was 

 planning numerous excursions, one at least of which con 

 templated a visit to Arkansas, when Clifford succumbed 

 to a sudden fatal illness. In this blow Rafinesque lost 

 the only man whom, as I believe, he ever loved. In 

 vain will you search his published writings for ex 

 pressions of regard for others, whether men or women; 



