LIFE OF ELIE METCHNIKOFF 97 



such as an unexpected noise in the street, a cat mewing 

 or a dog barking, or angry impatience when he could 

 not solve a frivolous puzzle, etc. This impulsive 

 disposition gradually calmed down as he grew old^ 

 and ultimately very nearly disappeared. 



In his personal relations also he was apt to lose 

 his temper, but a reaction very soon followed the 

 outburst, and his efforts to be forgiven when he felt \ 

 guilty were very touching. On the other hand, he 

 did not easily forget an offence, though no desire for ■, 

 revenge ever soiled his soul, and his gratitude for 

 kindness was absolutely indestructible. 



He harboured pessimistic theories to that extent 

 that he looked upon the procreation of other lives as 

 a crime on the part of a conscious being ; his physical 

 and moral sensitiveness was intense. And yet he 

 had inherited from his mother a natural gaiety and 

 delightful elasticity which always ended by gaining 

 the upper hand. He was fond of joking ; his wit was 

 occasionally somewhat cutting, but that was entirely 

 due to the appropriateness of his remarks ; he never 

 hurt people's feelings intentionally. He sometimes 

 gave offence by a professional habit of using personal 

 and concrete instances by way of arguments, but he 

 applied the process to himself as well ; it was the 

 objective method, nothing more, and those who knew 

 him well never doubted it. 



His benevolence was most active and never insipid, 

 though marked by an almost feminine sensibility. 

 He was an incomparable companion and friend, and 

 had the gift of smoothing difficulties and inspiring 

 courage, security, and confidence. He took the 

 greatest interest in others and easily came down to 

 their level, always finding points in common, " an 



H 



