158 BIOGKAPHIES OF SCIENTIFIC MEN 



versary (1851-1901), or his scientific jubilee, there 

 was an imposing demonstration of esteem and regard 

 organized in honour of the event. Representatives of 

 all countries, academies, societies, universities, etc., were 

 present at this great meeting of 24th November 1901. 

 It was more like the vast gatherings of ancient times 

 than one in these democratic days. It was held in the 

 amphitheatre of the historic Sorbonne, 1 and here Berthelot 

 received addresses and a beautiful gold medal (by 

 Chaplain), the latter being subscribed for by most of 

 the chemists of the world. The medal (the author 

 possesses a replica in bronze of this medal) has on its 

 obverse side a portrait of Berthelot in profile, and the 

 following words : " Marcellin Berthelot. La Synthese 

 Chimique. La Science Guide rHumanite" " ; and the 

 reverse side pictures the great chemist at his table, 

 Truth illuminating him with a torch, while France, 

 holding a flag, presents him with a laurel crown. The 

 inscription is as follows : "1851. Pour la Patrie et la 

 Verit^. 1901." 



Not content with his great discoveries in every 

 department of pure and applied chemistry, Berthelot 

 produced the following unique and erudite books on 



1 The Sorbonne was erected by Cardinal Richelieu in 1629. The 

 amphitheatre is a splendid oak-panelled room, adorned with the 

 celebrated fresco by Puvis de Chavannes. 



