SKETCH OF HEINRICH HERTZ. 407 



However highly his own time and posterity may prize the man 

 of science, the great discoverer, in Prof. Hertz, his value as such 

 to the world at large does not surpass that of the rare purity and 

 greatness of his character, of the intrinsic merit which he pos- 

 sessed for those who knew him personally. A world-wide reputa- 

 tion so rapidly attained might have produced in the young man 

 some feeling of elation and pride, and in his colleagues somewhat 

 of envy. But, as Prof. Hubert Ludwig, representing the Univer- 

 sity of Bonn at Prof. Hertz's funeral in Hamburg, said in his 

 memorial speech : 



" The rich harvest of fame and glory which was granted him, 

 and that was so fully merited as not to be tainted by a single 

 breath of envy or jealousy, never caused him to give up one atom 

 of the noble simplicity and genuine modesty which were a funda- 

 mental trait of his character. His modesty was a most lovable 

 quality in this great man, asserting itself not only in every-day 

 life, but also in his scientific labors, which it pervades with the 

 endearing charm of an amiable personality. It was coupled with 

 the most considerate indulgence when judging others. His ever- 

 ready recognition of other people's merits made it a sheer impos- 

 sibility to grudge him his attainments or to be his enemy. 



" ' None knew him but to love him, 

 None named him but to praise.' 



At the same time he was governed by an inflexible veracity." 



He was indeed a most lovable man, and was never happier than 

 in giving pleasure to others. His kindness and benevolence found 

 expression in many ways, most of all toward those above whom 

 he was placed as head of his department in the university. It 

 was a pleasure to notice his satisfaction, when he found it in ac- 

 cordance with his duty, to confer a benefit or favor. And when 

 it was incumbent upon him to refuse or displease, he became the 

 director who performed his duty, and the friend who regretted 

 what had to be done. He was always ready to show hospitality 

 to scientific men who came to Bonn from other parts of Germany 

 or from foreign countries. Even under the restraint of a foreign 

 tongue (he spoke English and French with considerable fluency) 

 his conversation was charming. Not what he had achieved, gave 

 him his ascendency in scientific discourse, but what he, beyond a 

 thousand learned men, could achieve at any time original and 

 sagacious thoughts, springing up on the spur of the moment, and 

 losing none of their force by being expressed in the most unpre- 

 tending, simple form. When entertaining friends or conversing 

 with his dear ones, he perfectly forgot the learned professor in 

 himself; he was so much at his ease, so full of fun, that none 

 around him could help sharing his gayety. Many of his guests, 



