LIFE OF ELIE METCHNIKOFF 257 



The war was an inexhaustible and passionately 

 interesting subject of conversation ; Elie read a 

 number of newspapers and listened with avidity to 

 every news from private sources. Often, too, scien- 

 tific questions were discussed, which continued to 

 interest him intensely. These talks were an in- 

 valuable relaxation. 



Feeling infinitely grateful towards his medical 

 advisers and friends, he showed himself a most docile 

 patient, following their prescriptions with absolute 

 punctuality. When his condition grew worse and 

 he felt no hope whatever of his recovery, he often 

 used to say, " What is to be done ? the doctors can 

 do nothing, for medicine is powerless. Unhappily, 

 it will remain so for a long time. Much work will 

 have to be done to rid humanity of the scourge of 

 diseases. But, surely, one day science will succeed 

 in doing so ; that will be chiefly through prophylaxis 

 and rational hygiene. There will also be a new 

 science — the science of death ; it will be known how 

 to make it less hard." 



After lunch and a short sleep, he received the daily 

 visit of his friend Dr. Roux, with whom he talked in 

 the full intimacy of friendship and affection. He 

 confided to him his apprehensions and desires, and 

 felt unlimited gratitude for his kindness to us, often 

 saying to me, with tears in his eyes, " I knew Roux 

 was a kind man and a true friend, but I see now that 

 he is incomparable." Other friends also did their 

 utmost to serve him and to show their sympathy. 

 He had the great joy of feeling himself beloved and 

 surrounded with an atmosphere of real kindness. 

 Many times he said to me, " Now, only, have I 

 appreciated the warm-heartedness of the French 



S 



