546 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1919, 
first session of the section of chemistry. But, visibly, his thought 
was absent. The news became each day more alarming. After 
Wednesday, the 29th, when he perceived war imminent, as fixed in 
the criminal plan of Germany, he was not seen again at the Congress. 
Ramsay saw immediately all the import and how much was at 
stake in the formidable conflict. Civilization, once more in a struggle 
with barbarity, had to repulse the most redoubtable assault she had 
ever withstood. It was necessary to conquer or submit to enslave- 
ment. 
From the beginning of hostilities, Ramsay, with his ardent patri- 
otism, threw himself into the conflict. He fought with all the means 
in his power, through research in the laboratory and through his 
original suggestions, by pen and word, which he made the auxiliaries 
of his most indisputable authority. Of him also could be employed 
the famous phrase, “ Je fais la guerre.” It was through his persever- 
ing efforts chiefly that cotton was, too late perhaps, declared contra- 
band of war. He died in full activity, 63 years old, while his genius 
was still so rich in promise for science and for humanity, brought 
down by an incurable disease that carried him off in a few months. 
Our unanimous regret is that the great joy was not given him of 
assisting in the complete victory of the Allies, a victory which he 
believed in implicitly, and also with all the ardor of his faith in the 
destinies of our immortal countries, and in the final triumph of 
morality over crime, of incontestible right over brute force. 
The premature death of Ramsay is for science an irreparable loss. 
In his loss a powerful beacon light is extinguished. This great in- 
vestigator explored chemistry as a conqueror, and the progress which 
it owes to him are the strides of a giant. Ramsay served and was an 
honor to humanity, and he has brought to his native land incom- 
parable renown. He was great not only in his genius and scientific 
enthusiasm, but also in the elevation of his soul, absorbed in the ideal, 
and in the greatness of his character. He will live in the memory of 
mankind, and posterity will keep aloft the name of Ramsay. 
