268 LEADING AMERICAN MEN OF SCIENCE 



Peacock, written during the Exploring Expedition by Dr. J. C. 

 Palmer, the surgeon of the ship. In later years, however, the 

 exacting demands of his scientific work left little time for the culti- 

 vation of an art which for him could be only a recreation. 



His personal appearance was at once attractive and impressive. 

 The inspiring flash of his deep blue eyes and the exquisite sweet- 

 ness of his smile will ever haunt the memory of all who had the 

 privilege of his society. His hair, which had been light brown in 

 earlier years, turned white as he advanced in age, but ceased not 

 to be abundant. His latest portrait is the most impressive. The 

 thin, eager, vivacious, kindly face, encircled with its halo of silver 

 hair, was inspiring in its dignity and sweetness. For him the 

 hoary head was a crown of glory. He was of medium height or 

 rather less, and light and slender. The quickness of all his move- 

 ments was remarkable. Even in old age he walked uphill and 

 down at a pace which the students who went on his geological 

 excursions found it easier to admire than to emulate. The quick- 

 ness of his physical movements was an expression of the same 

 sensitiveness of nervous organization which made possible the 

 marvelous vivacity of his mental working. 



The restraints imposed by the failure of his health isolated him 

 from society in general. Yet he was delightfully companionable 

 to those who had the privilege of entering the precincts of his 

 quiet and secluded life. His conversation was enlivened with a 

 delicate humor, and in controversy he could be sarcastic. The 

 courtesy which endeared him to all who knew him was the expres- 

 sion of real kindness of heart. His helpful interest in the work of 

 young scientific men has left rich store of grateful memories. As 

 son, brother, husband, father, friend, his life, in all the relations 

 of most intimate affection, was pure and gentle. 



f His was a genius to be admired, a character to be reverenced, a 



Ipersonality to be loved. 



