A SKETCH OF HIS LIFE 5 



ciate, and it is an illustration of that .quiet impressiveness of 

 Brooks' simple manner that his appointment was immediately 

 recognized by every one to be most eminently fitting. 



He quickly gained our respect and admiration by the con- 

 stant seriousness of his thoughts, and the simplicity and gen- 

 uineness of his statements : simple in expression but showing care- 

 ful and deep reflection. Our affection was won and held by his 

 genuine, never-failing interest in, and friendship for us. 



As I recall his reading to me of the then unfinished manuscript 

 of his book on Heredity in my room on Centre street in 1876, of 

 the many long talks on biological subjects, in either his room or 

 mine at the University, at Brightside, or at Crisfield, Fort Wool 

 or Beaufort, I become aware again of the constant seriousness, 

 and power of his thought, which awoke and continually increased 

 an admiration for his intellectual ability. 



Brooks' friendship was even and steadfast. It never found 

 great expression in words, but it never wavered. I felt this 'dur- 

 ing my early years of association with him, and the conviction 

 was but strengthened with the growing years. This steadfast- 

 ness of affection and confidence in his friends, his perfect simpli- 

 city and genuineness, and his serious and profound mind are to 

 me the sources of Brooks ' great and lasting influence on men. 



1883-84* The first time I saw Professor Brooks was in 1883. 

 The year before, while I was endeavoring to make out some of the 

 points in the structure of Balanoglossus, then imperfectly known, 

 it was announced in the Johns Hopkins Circular that a littoral 

 species of that animal had been found at Hampton, Va. At 

 Mr. Adam Sedgwick's suggestion I wrote to Brooks asking if 

 I might come over to investigate it. Brooks, as his friends will 

 remember, did not habitually answer letters, but as it happened 

 he did answer that one and sent me a cordial invitation to come 

 and try. Such leave was no little thing to give, for Balanoglos- 

 sus must have been known to be one of the prizes of the station, 

 but in professional generosity Brooks was royal and lavish. 



8 Professor William Bateson, Cambridge, England. 



