50 



Louis Agassis. 



Humboldt, the whole-souled nature of Agassiz is well 

 illustrated in a little incident regarding the prospec- 

 tus of one of the latter's books on fossil fishes. 

 Agassiz had said in the prospectus : Finally, I owe 

 to M. de Humboldt not only important notes on 

 fossil fishes, but so many kindnesses in connection 

 with my work that in enumerating them I should 

 fear to wound the delicacy of the giver/' 



To this Humboldt had responded: *'Your pro- 

 spectus is full of interest, and does ample justice to 

 those who provided you with materials. To name 

 me among them was an affectionate deceit, the ruse 

 of a noble soul like yours ; I am a little vexed with 

 you about it.'' 



Of Agassiz at this time Ernest Favre writes : A 

 warmth which nothing could repress was with him 

 united with facility and charm of expression. Always 

 ready to frame theories, to discuss them, and to ad- 

 vance new ideas, he captivated his auditors by the 

 vigor and clearness of his exposition. His public and 

 class lectures, too, were always extraordinarily suc- 

 cessful. Even when he discussed the most abstruse 

 subject his auditors hung upon his lips. The talent 

 for speaking, which he possessed to a high degree, 

 was one of his most valuable means of influence, and 

 contributed greatly to his celebrity." 



Humboldt, being the greatest scientist of the day, 

 as may be imagined, was a power in the land. Above 

 all, he was a friend of the king, and as Neuchatel was 

 at this time under Prussian sovereignty his influence 

 was invaluable. Humboldt not only took a deep 

 interest in the forth-coming book and the sale of 



