CONCLUSION. 387 



firm. It is a great joy to me to be able to testify 

 that my sons have shown themselves fully equal to 

 their grave and responsible position, nay that my 

 retirement has manifestly given to the firm a fresh 

 impulse. This is the more deserving of recognition 

 as my old assistants in the technical management, 

 Messrs. Frischen, von Hefner, and Lent, are also no 

 longer in the firm, the first named being unhappily 

 taken from his labours by death. It is with com- 

 mercial houses as with states, they need from time 

 to time regeneration in their administration, in order 

 themselves to remain young. The London business 

 and my private undertakings were not affected by my 

 retirement from the firm of Siemens & Halske, and 

 thus continue to give me sufficient technical occupation. 

 My children by the first union are all happily 

 married. My first-born, Arnold, married the daughter 

 of my friend von Helmholtz, and has already, as well 

 as his brother, provided for a continuation of the 

 lineage by two grandsons. 



When at its close I survey my life, and search 

 for the determining causes and impelling forces, which 

 carried me over all hindrances and dangers to a po- 

 sition which brought me outward recognition and 

 inward satisfaction, and superabundantly provided me 

 with the material blessings of life, I am bound to admit 

 that many fortunate circumstances have co-operated 



and that altogether I owe a large debt to fortune. 



25* 



