P R E F yTc E 



HE effect of the teachings and 

 work of Louis Agassiz upon the 

 world has been pronounced and 

 far-reaching, his appearance in 

 America marking the beginning 

 of a new epoch in natural science. 

 Previous to his advent Biology in 

 particular had languished, but from 

 the time of his arrival in Boston a new in- 

 terest was created. His personality and 

 methods, his reputation as a teacher, investigator, 

 and scientist, took the New World by storm, and 

 without reflecting upon those eminent American 

 scientists who had laboured long in the field, it was 

 his example, his power of teaching, that gave a new 

 and fresh impetus to American science. His indom- 

 itable purpose, his industry, his devotion to the 

 dissemination of knowledge, his love for science — 

 which is but another term for truth, — were traits 

 which commended him to all men, and ensured him 

 a lasting place in their affection and appreciation. 

 Agassiz was the greatest teacher of his time, and 

 his place is still unfilled. With Darwin he was the 

 most conspicuous man of his day, rendered still 



