230 _ Geographical Notices. 
and highly interesting letters to his family), oral communice j 
tions of a most varied character, and the establishment of mani — 
fold personal relations and connections. 
In the year 1831, Ritter withdrew from all business and labor . 
foreign to his geographical studies. He felt that if he would — 
advance geographical science, which he considered the task of 
his life, he must concentrate his powers. Thus, when he again 
had leisure, the fruits of his studies became more appareth — 
There now appeared, from the year 1832, in quick successiol, 
that series of volumes on Asia, of which he concluded the nme 
teenth a few weeks before his death. This work will be a last 
ing monument of his genius, and a standard work for all ages, 
however great the progress of geographical science may be here 
* | 
after. 
The author’s name grew in proportion with the progres 
the work, his acquaintances increased in all civilized countries 
one of the most important personal centres for the science, ince 
he possessed an immense store of knowledge, and a sound jude: 
ment, and took a most active interest in ali questions relatmg a 
this subject. He entered into everything, even if trifling of 
troublesome, with an amiability and urbanity that never tn ( a 
He received marks of acknowledgment and distinction © 
Sovereign gave him frequent proofs of his personal favor pe 
the many years of his residence at Berlin. Ritter occup! posi 
doubtedly, as savant and author, one of the most exal i 
invariable power of attraction as he did. When 1n * 
first announced his lectures on general geography, ie w pre 
came forward, and in the course of the term only @ 7 
7 
wondered at, as but a few of the students had beard geograpi 
next semester hearers were yet scarce, and this must thi 
of Ritter, and the great majority of them considered howevel ¢ 
jarv: 
nm changed, and already in 1823 Ritter wrote 10 his 
he num 
: 
ng sic 
