AuaGust 18, 1899. ] 
pology. Taught by professorial work to 
adopt diverse methods of exposition in 
order to reach wider circles, some of his re- 
sults were dressed in literary or even 
dramatic form, like ‘The Pursuit of Hap- 
piness,’ 1894, and ‘ Maria Candelaria, 
An Historical Drama from American Abo- 
riginal Life,’ 1897; yet it was appropri- 
ately prophetic of the final rounding-out 
of his life work that a recent publication 
should be a review of the researches of two 
score years into the motives of primitive 
symbolism and a summary of his scientific 
studies, under the title ‘ Religions of Prim- 
itive Peoples,’ 1897—his latest, and in 
many respects, his greatest contribution to 
the literature of science. 
Largely by reason of his versatility, it is 
not easy to define Dr. Brinton’s original 
additions to the body of increasingly definite 
knowledge comprehended under the term 
anthropology ; his range was broad, and his 
touch vivified many lines of thought. Per- 
haps his richest gift to scientific method 
was that embodied in his unique library, 
designed ‘to put within reach of scholars 
authentic materials for the study of the 
languages and culture of the native races 
of America ;’’? perhaps his richest contribu- 
tion to the body of science is the second 
chapter of his ‘ Religions,’ entitled ‘ Origin 
and Contents of Primitive Religions,’ which 
has well been characterized as a work of 
genius ; while certainly the influence of his 
eloquent advocacy of the doctrine of men- 
tal unity will long remain in the minds of 
the anthropologists of the world. Yet 
despite the difficulty of signalizing special 
features of well-rounded work, the great 
fact remains that Brinton’s investigations 
and expositions have served to set forward 
the outposts of the Science of Man along 
almost the entire front. 
During the last two decades workers in 
various branches of science have benefited 
much by Dr. Brinton’s readiness to promote 
SCIENCE. 
195 
and diffuse knowledge by all means at his 
command ; he conducted a large and varied 
correspondence in which he freely gave of 
his information to numberless seekers ; he 
contributed voluminously to current period- 
ical literature, both special and general ; 
he was given to attending scientific meet- 
ings, and was particularly free in formal 
and informal communications and discus- 
sions; and he was a frequent and attractive 
lecturer. He was no less generous in edi- 
torial work ; his name has added strength 
to the editorial corps and his pen has added 
interest to the pages of ScreNcE since the 
beginning of the present series in 1894; he 
was one of the original editors of the Ameri- 
can Anthropologist (new series), and at va- 
rious times he had editorial connection 
with other journals of scientific character. 
Among scientific associates Dr. Brinton 
was noted for courtesy and urbanity even 
more than for the vigor and insistence 
whereby his convictions were enforced. 
Clear and trenchant in statement, clever 
and terse in debate, incisive and even 
sharp in criticism he was instinctively 
fair and tolerant; and no forceful thinker 
was ever readier to recognize the right of 
free opinion. These and other qualities 
united to form a strong personality, which 
served the world well in attracting audi- 
tors and pupils toward useful lines of 
thought. 
It was among intimates that Dr. Brinton 
was seen at his best. Of refined social 
sense and of peculiar delicacy in word and 
manner, an easy and often brilliant conver- 
sationalist, and a pleasing raconteur, he was 
a delightful companion, charming host, or 
ideal guest, as occasion demanded. Natu- 
rally his associations warmed into friend- 
ships, many and deep; and the passing of 
his life has rent unnumbered ties and 
wrought widespread sorrow. 
Surviving more than three-score years 
despite an infirmity of war concealed with 
