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fluently and even elegantly, while a marked accent only added 

 piquancy to his speech. Wherever he went his characteristic en- 

 thusiasm was contagious, and a personal magnetism which surpassed 

 that of any other man I have known, made an impression which 

 was not only wide-spread but deep and indelible. His Lowell 

 lectures upon zoology were attended by people of all ranks and 

 avocations, but they were alike inspired with an interest in the 

 subject which was unexpected and unprecedented, his vivid descrip- 

 tions and remarkable facility in drawing captivating and delight- 

 ing all. 



In 1848 the American Association for the Advancement of 

 Science was organized, and for many years Professor Agassiz was 

 a constant attendant upon its meetings. These were held in turn 

 in all the principal cities of the United States. Those who were 

 present at any of the earlier meetings will not fail to remember 

 what a vitalizing, animating element Agassiz' presence was. The 

 effect of these annual scientific reunions in different places was 

 most potent in giving to science an honorable position in the esti- 

 mation of the inhabitants. Wherever they were held the hands of the 

 local workers were strengthened and the ranks were recruited with 

 new men. Academies of science, geological surveys, and scientific 

 professorships in colleges followed as natural results. Any one 

 can see by looking over the list of papers read at these meetings 

 what an active part Agassiz took in them, but no record remains 

 except in the memory of those present of the wonderful inspiring 

 and formative influences he exerted, which warrants us in crediting 

 him with a large part of the good accomplished by this, the most 

 potent of all agencies in the science culture of the country. 

 Later Agassiz was one of the moving spirits in, we may say the 

 inspiration of the movement for the organization of the National 

 Academy of Sciences, and was its foreign Secretary until his death. 



I have now touched upon some of the salient points in the char- 

 acter and career of Agassiz; have given you an all inadequate sketch 

 of this interesting man, and this grand, noble and fruitful life, and 

 I have consumed the time alloted me. Yet I venture to ask your 

 indulgence for a moment longer while I report an incident in the 

 intercourse between Agassiz and mvself which is not without inter- 



