WILLARD GIBBS 357 



He devoted much attention to the electromagnetic theory of 

 light, originated by Clerk Maxwell, which he defended against 

 the elastic ether theory by showing its adequacy for explaining 

 the phenomena of refraction and dispersion of light. The discovery 

 by Hertz of the electric waves now used in wireless telegraphy has 

 since given experimental proof of the correctness of Maxwell's 

 theory. Gibbs also made important contributions to the theory of 

 galvanic cells, by which can be calculated the electromotive force 

 due to differences in the concentration of the dilute solutions of 

 the cells or in the pressure in the case of gas batteries. 



His final work was on the Elementary Principles of Statistical 

 Mechanics in which he attempts the gigantic task of applying 

 mathematical methods to the study of the motions of very complex 

 systems too minute and complicated for detailed observation, as, 

 for example, the vibrations of the molecules of a solid due to heat. 

 This work has not yet been sufficiently studied for its importance 

 to be fully understood, for it was published in 1902, as one of the 

 Yale Bicentennial volumes. It is thought that the intense applica- 

 tion and protracted labor required for the preparation of this work 

 hastened his death, which occurred after a few days' illness on 

 April 28, 1903, at the age of sixty-four. He was never a strong 

 man and, like Kant, it was only by great carefulness of his health, 

 and severe restriction of his activities and diversions that he was 

 able to accomplish so much original work. 



He was of medium height and slight figure, with delicate fea- 

 tures, and bright blue eyes that twinkled quizzically when he had 

 got a student cornered. His hair and full beard at the time of his 

 death were pure white. He was punctual at every appointment, 

 fulfilling every duty imposed upon him, however uncongenial, 

 with the utmost conscientiousness. Yale knew him as "the man 

 who never made a mistake." At the meetings of the Yale Mathe- 

 matical Club which he founded and invariably attended, he lis- 

 tened with patience and consideration even to the most amateurish 

 efforts. He was always ready to give his time and attention to any 

 student coming to him for assistance, and would devote the whole 

 of the lecture hour and as much more as necessary to the explana- 



