402 A CENTURY OF SCIENCE 



was eminently fitted to do both because of his European 

 training and because of his natural ability as an inspir- 

 ing leader. 



The times in America, moreover, were fully ripe for 

 the advent of European culture. There were already in 

 existence natural history societies in many of our cities 

 and college communities. These societies not only held 

 meetings for the discussion of biological topics, but 

 established museums open to the public, and to which the 

 public was invited to contribute both funds and speci- 

 mens. This led to a wide popular interest in natural his- 

 tory. It was therefore comparatively easy for such a 

 man as Agassiz to develop this favorable public attitude 

 into genuine enthusiasm. 



The American Journal of Science announces the 

 expected visit of Agassiz as a most promising event for 

 American Zoology (1, 451, 1846) : "His devotion, ability, 

 and zeal his high and deserved reputation and . . . his 

 amiable and conciliating character, will, without doubt, 

 secure for him the cordial cooperation of our naturalists 

 . . . nor do we entertain a doubt that we shall be liberally 

 repaid by his able review and exploration of our 

 country." We of to-day can realize how abundantly this 

 prophecy was fulfilled. 



In the succeeding volume (2, 440, 1846) occurs the 

 record of Agassiz 's arrival. "We learn with pleasure 

 that he will spend several years among us, in order 

 thoroughly to understand our natural history. ' ' 



Immediately on reaching Boston, Agassiz began the 

 publication of articles on our fauna, and the following 

 year he was appointed to a professorship at Harvard. 

 The Journal says (4, 449, 1847) : "Every scientific man in 

 America will be rejoiced to hear so unexpected a piece of 

 good news." The next year the Journal (5, 139, 1848) 

 records Agassiz 's lecture courses at New York and 

 Charleston, his popularity with all classes of the people 

 and the gift of a silver case containing $250 in half eagles 

 from the students of the College of Physicians and 

 Surgeons. 



The service of Agassiz to American zoology, therefore, 

 consisted not only in the publication of the results of his 

 researches and his philosophical considerations there- 



