MEMOIR OF GEORGE IT. ELDRIDGE 685 



regarding the origin of vein asphalt, one of the singular phenomena in- 

 vestigated some few years ago (22). 



The illness which terminated this career, with its promise of still 

 higher achievements, seems to have begun in the autumn of 1904. After 

 several months of uncertainty as to its nature, it became evident that an 

 operation was necessary to remove an internal growth of problematic 

 character. The relief afforded by the operation was not lasting, and with 

 the renewal of the sarcomatous growth the end was inevitable. Almost 

 to the last the patient exhibited his customary cheery courage and had 

 faith in his ultimate recovery. 



The scientific work accomplished by Eldridge was of the highest order 

 in many respects. He was not much given to theorizing, choosing to stick 

 close to the firm ground of established fact. His investigations were 

 characterized by thoroughness and by infinite patience in the accumula- 

 tion of facts bearing on his problem. His aim seemed to be to exhaust 

 the subject so far as time and conditions would permit. To ascertain 

 and make known the exact truth was his ambition. As a result of fidelity 

 to this high ideal, he gathered a vast store of information in each of his 

 more important investigations, and in that it was not granted him to 

 utilize a great part of this knowledge to the full, in mature and well con- 

 sidered discussion, must be a source of keen and lasting regret. 



While an adequate tribute to the estimable personality possessed by 

 Eldridge, such as his friends may desire to see put on record, is perhaps 

 not in place in this publication, this sketch would be far from satisfactory 

 without some appreciative notice of the traits which endeared our friend 

 to all who were privileged to know him. His was a character such as all 

 admire, and to know the possessor was to love him; blessed with a fine 

 physique and great strength, Eldridge seemed always in high spirits and 

 overflowing with good cheer. The power to brighten with his presence 

 was felt by all with whom he came in daily contact, and among all ranks 

 of the great organization to which he belonged his death caused the feel- 

 ing of personal loss, even to many who could not claim direct acquaint- 

 ance. A fund of anecdote in illustration of this influence for good might 

 be cited. 



For many years physical strength and great power of endurance stood 

 Eldridge in good stead in trying circumstances. Professor Pumpelly 

 tells in a personal letter how, during his work for the Transcontinental 

 Survey in Montana, Eldridge rose from his bed after a severe attack of 

 typhoid fever, and, in spite of his physician's orders, proceeded with the 

 task assigned him to find and explore certain coal beds in an undeveloped 

 district. It was early winter and severe snow-storms had driven out rail- 



