n6 The Smithsonian Institution 



For two decades he lived in the laboratory and the lecture- 

 room, and at the end of that period he was accepted as one of 

 the world's great investigators, distinguished alike for skill 

 and originality in experiment and for breadth and philo- 

 sophic comprehensiveness in deduction. Three other dec- 

 ades of his life were given to the organization and develop- 

 ment of the scientific and educational interests of the nation. 



It is impossible to estimate the extent of the influence of 

 those fifty years of intense, devoted toil, of constant, pains- 

 taking effort, all directed toward one consistent end. Few 

 men have combined so fully the characteristics of the scholar, 

 the teacher, the organizer, and leader; and few have been 

 so placed that their capacities in such widely different fields 

 of activity could be constantly employed. 



Henry's success as an administrator was unquestionably 

 due to the versatility of his talents and to the catholicity of 

 his sympathies, which forbade favoritism toward individual 

 interests or men. His lofty character and self-sacrificing de- 

 votion were so manifest in his face and in his actions that all 

 were impressed by them, and thereby rendered incapable of 

 opposition. Rivalry and enmity never entered into his rela- 

 tions to those with whom he worked. The noblest and best 

 of his associates were always valued and devoted friends, and 

 there were few of the greatest of his countrymen, whether 

 statesmen, divines, or men of letters, who were not proud to 

 say that they knew him well and loved him. 



The organization of the Smithsonian Institution was the 

 task to which his later years were devoted. This will always 

 be regarded, by the few who appreciate the necessities and 

 difficulties of scientific administration, as his most important 

 achievement. There can be no doubt that he himself so re- 

 garded it, since he felt justified in practically abandoning the 

 career of an investigator at the time when it was full of the 



