HERMANN VON HELMHOLTZ 



who entertained me most hospitably. I then spent 

 eight days in Scotland, to feast on nature. Edinburgh 

 is a jewel among cities. The Scotch Highlands have 

 a peculiar majesty, from their proximity to the 

 Atlantic Ocean ; but they are, on the whole, barren 

 and monotonous, and not to be compared with the 

 Alps. I saw Fingal's Cave in beautiful weather, then 

 unceasing rain compelled me to return. I travelled 

 home via Hull and Hamburg, and arrived with a very 

 empty purse. My health has greatly benefited by 

 the trip, but my teeth troubled me on the journey, 

 and made for a time my physiognomy asymmetrical.' 



In after years Helmholtz paid not a few visits to 

 this country, and more especially to his friend of many 

 years, Lord Kelvin. Between these distinguished men, 

 the foremost in their time in physical science, there 

 always existed the warmest friendship. Often differing 

 on scientific questions, each had admiration and respect 

 for the powers and achievements of the other. 



To return to the physiological work of Helmholtz 

 during the early fifties, there can be no doubt the re- 

 searches on the mechanism of accommodation and on 

 sensations of colour were of the first importance. His 

 singular combination of anatomical, physiological, phy- 

 sical, and mathematical knowledge fitted him specially 

 for this work. Up to his day no one had appeared like 

 him in this respect, and it may be questioned if any- 

 one now exists who can be placed on the same platform 

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