PBEFACE. xvii 



session of Herr Seifert, is one of the few portraits painted by 

 this highly-gifted artist. 



According to the scheme originally planned by the Editor, 

 the work was to have appeared in the Easter of 1871 ; but no 

 more elaborate excuse need be furnished for the delay than is 

 to be found in the exciting events affecting the greater part of 

 Europe during the summer of 1870 and the spring of 1871. 



May the united efforts of the various Authors to afford to the 

 present generation a complete and faithful picture of Alexander 

 von Humboldt, both in his life and labours, meet with the kind 

 reception due to their exertions. 



It is in this hope that, upon the recurring anniversary of his 

 death, I present this work, not only to every votary of science, 

 but to every friend of intellectual progress, as an intellectual 

 memorial of Humboldt in commemoration of the centenary of 

 his birth. 



KAKL BRUHNS. 



LEIPZIG : May 6, 1872. 



VOL. T, 



