INTRODUCTION. 



THIS little volume is no biography of the great man who a short 

 time ago closed an active career of almost fifty years in the service, 

 nominally of astronomy and mathematics at Harvard University, but 

 practically of science and religion throughout the world. Its contents 

 but feebly reflect the life of one who ranks among the few men whose 

 names have been imperishably recorded in the annals of science and 

 religion in this century. At best it can only serve as a convenient 

 reference-book for the future biographer of the late professor. 



Although having neither the ability to appreciate the extraordinary 

 intellect of Professor Peirce, nor an acquaintance long enough to 

 write a personal narrative of his life, I could have re-written what 

 had already appeared in print, and thus have issued a so-called biog- 

 raphy; but it seemed best simply to gather in permanent and con- 

 venient form such printed matter as was occasioned by the death of 

 Professor Peirce, correcting such errors as had crept in, omitting, as 

 far as possible, such parts as were repetitions, and adding a few notes 

 on his last illness, and a brief account of the funeral. 



My acquaintance with Professor Peirce was very short, yet long 

 enough to make me always regard him as one of my kindest friends. 

 At a time when there were quite different opinions among the officers 

 of the University as to the propriety of my issuing T/w Harvard 

 Register, he, who for almost half a century had devoted himself to the 

 institution, unhesitatingly came forward in support of the new enter- 

 prise. He aided it pecuniarily, offered many valuable suggestions, 

 indorsed it publicly, and promised to contribute occasional articles. 

 To him I am indebted for the last piece of work that he was permitted 

 to write for publication. It was his article on "The Intellectual 



