16 HENRY A. ROWLAND 



end said to the Academy that unfortunately practice directly contra- 

 dicted Professor Rowland's theory, to which instantly replied Rowland, 

 " So much the worse for the practice," which, indeed, turned out to be 

 the case. 



Like all men of real genius, he had phenomenal capacity for concen- 

 tration of thought and effort. Of this, one who was long and intimately 

 associated with him remarks, " I can remember cases when he appeared 

 as if drugged from mere inability to recall his mind from the pursuit 

 of all-absorbing problems, and he had a triumphant joy in intellectual 

 achievement such as we would look for in other men only from the 

 gratification of an elemental passion." So completely consumed was 

 he by fires of his own kindling that he often failed to give due attention 

 to the work of others, and some of his public utterances give evidence 

 of this curious neglect of the historic side of his subject. 



As a teacher his position was quite unique. Unfit for the ordinary 

 routine work of the class room he taught as more men ought to teach, 

 by example rather than by precept. Says one of his most eminent 

 pupils, " Even of the more advanced students only those who were able 

 to brook severe and searching criticism reaped the full benefit of being 

 under him, but he contributed that which, in a University, is above all 

 teaching of routine, the spectacle of scientific work thoroughly done 

 and the example of a lofty ideal." 



Returning home about twenty years ago after an expatriation of 

 several years, and wishing to put myself in touch with the development 

 of methods of instruction in physics and especially in the equipment of 

 physical laboratories, I visited Rowland very soon after, as it happened, 

 the making of his first successful negative of the solar spectrum. That 

 he was completely absorbed in his success was quite evident, but he also 

 seemed anxious to give me such information as I sought. I questioned 

 him as to the number of men who were to work in his laboratory, and 

 although the college year had already begun he appeared to be unable 

 to give even an approximate answer. " And what will you do with 

 them ? " I said. " Do with them ? " he replied, raising the still drip- 

 ping negative so as to get a better light through its delicate tracings, 

 " Do with them ? I shall neglect them." The whole situation was in- 

 tensely characteristic, revealing him as one to whom the work of a drill- 

 master was impossible, but ready to lead those who would be led and 

 could follow. To be neglected by Rowland was often, indeed, more 

 stimulating and inspiring than the closest personal supervision of men 

 lacking his genius and magnetic fervor. 



