42 GARDINER GREENE HUBBARD 



tion, shall become the nucleus of a Washington Academy of 

 Sciences, Mr Hubbard will always occupy an honorable place in 

 the history of this Academy of Sciences. He was in the habit 

 of disclaiming any pretensions to be considered a " scientific 

 man." If only those who are engaged in scientific research work 

 are properly so called, his modest disclaimer may be admitted ; 

 but it would be well for many of the scientific men of the coun- 

 try if they could take as broad a view and as intelligent an in- 

 terest in the general progress of scientific knowledge and of ap- 

 plied science in all departments of human industry and art as 

 that manifested by the late President of the Joint Commission. 



His interest in science was catholic, and no doubt found its 

 inspiration to a large extent in that genial and generous human- 

 ity which was so characteristic of him. Anything calculated to 

 promote the comfort and happiness of those about him and of 

 mankind in general was to him a matter of interest, and this 

 kindly feeling led to the generous hospitality and cordiality of 

 manner which all have experienced who enjoyed the privilege 

 of his acquaintance. He quickly recognized merit and earnest 

 effort in any department of human endeavor, and his ready sym- 

 pathy and practical advice were always at command for the ad- 

 vancement of any good cause. With him acquaintance quickly 

 ripened into friendship when he was brought into contact with 

 one whose work and character commanded his respect. 



Although his age and extensive personal interests might have 

 excused him from active participation in the management of the 

 affairs of the Joint Commission, he was too conscientious to neg- 

 lect any of the duties pertaining to the office which he had ac- 

 cepted, and at meetings of the Executive Committee his kindly 

 presence was seldom missed. Prompt in his attendance and ex- 

 pecting others to be equally punctual in keeping their appoint- 

 ments, he had a happy method of dispatching business and of 

 checking unnecessary discussion and dilatory proceedings. He 

 manifested no intention or desire to overrule the wishes of the 

 majority in anything relating to the organization and interests 

 of the Joint Commission, but as presiding officer did his best to 

 promote harmony and to carry into effect the measures which 

 were evidently favored by a majority of the members of the or- 

 ganization. So far as his relation to the Joint Commission and 

 the scientific societies of Washington is concerned I have noth- 

 ing to add, but I cannot close without expressing my personal 

 sense of loss and bereavement. Although my acquaintance with 



