PREFACE. 



GARFIELD said, " No page of human history is 

 so instructive and significant as the record of those 

 early influences which develop the character and 

 direct the lives of eminent men." 



These sketches show how young men have over- 

 come difficulties, sometimes poverty, sometimes 

 illness ; how they have made failures before find- 

 ing their true vocation. They show the results 

 of energy, perseverance, and untiring devotion ; 

 how a cheerful face and a hopeful spirit like 

 Agassiz's, or a gentle and kindly nature like 

 Darwin's, can win its way against opposition. 



A sketch of Benjamin Franklin, which otherwise 

 would have a place in this volume, will be found 

 in " Famous American Statesmen " ; also one of 

 Michael Faraday, in "Poor Boys Who Became 

 Famous." 



S. K. B. 



