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 brilliant lecturer and laboratory 

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

 he wrote induced Kim 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 into all 

 the chief modern languages. The " Lecons fiiementaires 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. 



