INTRODUCTION 



XV 



him gave evidence of acute powers of observation, of painstaking 

 study, and of strict regard for truth in the recording of facts, quahties 

 which are the prime essentials of a successful man of science. Per- 

 haps the most notable characteristic of his mind was his keen ap- 

 preciation of underlying causes in the investigation of facts. His 

 excessive modesty gave him an appearance of reticence and reserve 

 which was not always understood by those who did not know him 

 intimately. To his personal friends this reserve was merely one of 

 the evidences of his high motives and scientific idealism. His ideals 

 were further manifest in the indifference with which he regarded the 

 discovery and description of new species as compared with the study 

 of their underlying structure and life history. He was inspired by a 

 passion for scientific work and also a passion for truth, which, with 

 the greatly enlarged opportunities opening toward him, would surely 

 have enabled him to leave a permanent mark on American science. 



Dr. Northrop had in mind the ultimate publication of a volume on 

 the Bahamas which would embody the results of his work there and 

 of other contemplated collecting trips to the islands, and this memorial 

 volume was planned to represent the carrying out of that project of 

 his so far as possible. The contemplated work would have been far 

 more complete and more worthy of the author ; but we trust that this 

 volume, which includes all of his writings, largely brought together 

 through the loving care of Mrs. Northrop, will form a permanent 

 memorial of John Isaiah Northrop, so that the memory of his labors 

 and activities, brief as they were permitted to be, may live, and the 

 influence of his example be handed down to future generations of the 

 students of Columbia and of other universities. 



Henry Fairfield Osborn. 



