XXXIV 



basic acids, and on the production of aldol and its beautiful 



derivatives. 



The classical investigations with which Wurtz enriched science 

 form but a small part of his work. He was one of the few French 

 chemists who founded a school, and the greater number of the 

 present generation of French chemists were his students. 



It might well be supposed that the labours of this great investigator 

 and teacher who had, in addition to his professional work, much 

 official business and a considerable social position, would have left 

 him neither energy nor leisure for other work. But he found time 

 for much else. Besides being a brilliaut lecturer and laboratory- 

 teacher, he excelled as a writer. The ease and rapidity with which 

 he wrote induced him to undertake various literary works. He 

 brought out his " Dictionnaire de Chimie" in a marvellously short 

 time, with the aid of friends and pupils. The elegantly written little 

 book " La Theorie Atomique " has long since been translated iDto all 

 the chief modern languages. The " Lecons Eiementaires de Chimie 

 Moderne " is a model of lucid exposition. 



The fundamental feature of Wurtz's character was a love of truth. 

 With this love of truth was combined a modest estimate of his own 

 merits, accompanied by the most heartfelt and generous appreciation 

 of the labours of others. 



A. W. W. 



William Spottiswoode was born in London on January 11th, 1825. 

 He was descended from an old and distinguished Scottish family, of 

 whom, perhaps, the most notable character was John Spotiswood, 

 the Archbishop of St. Andrew's, who crowned Charles I at Holy- 

 rood, and was the author of " A History of the Church of Scotland." 

 Andrew Spottiswoode, the father of William, was himself a man of 

 no ordinary attainments ; he represented Colchester for some time in 

 Parliament, and in 1831 was admitted into partnership with George 

 Eyre as one of Her Majesty's printers. His wife, William's mother, 

 was of the Longman family, well known from its connexion with the 

 celebrated publishing firm. 



Of the early days of William Spottiswoode there is but little to tell. 

 His school life began at Laleham under a brother of Dean Buckland. 

 From Laleham he went to Eton, but his stay there was short, as the 

 first recorded development of his scientific tastes resulted in an 

 explosion which, though effecting no damage to his moral reputation, 

 was deemed inconsistent with sound discipline. He was accordingly 

 moved to Harrow, then under Dr. Wordsworth, and was there placed 

 in the upper " shell." After continuing three years at Harrow, where 

 he had the reputation for being studious and thoughtful, he in 1842 

 obtained a Lyon Scholarship and went to Balliol College, Oxford. 



