ALEXANDER VON HTJMBOLDT. 



OUR researches into the phenomena of the 

 physical and the human cosmos present 

 us with many curious parallels. In those two 

 distinct, yet inseparably united realms, there 

 are periods when the creative energies seemed 

 to slumber, and periods when they seemed to 

 manifest themselves in splendid and unwonted 

 energy. Like the aloe, which, according to 

 popular belief, flowered but once in a hundred 

 years, then putting forth a blossom of marvel- 

 lous beauty ; so nature atoned for her seeming 

 sleep by the creation of minds which became 

 new vital forces in the world of man. One 

 star did not rise alone in the twilight of heaven : 

 great men dawned upon the world in constel- 

 lations. Sometimes a decade of years saw the 

 advent of those who were to give character to 

 the century in which they lived. Sometimes a 



