Williams : Louis Agassiz. 



33 



orders, genera, and species. Back to the point at wliich the charac- 

 teristics of the class appear, the analogical argument from embryology 

 is very strong. Previous to that stage of development Darwin would 

 go only so far as the momentum of his analogical argument at the 

 beginning of the classes would carry him. If, however, a naturalist 

 has been brought by plain analogies to believe in only four distinct 

 lines of genealogical descent, it is difficult to stop there, although 

 there may be no further accessible facts on which to base a positive 

 argument, just as in the realms of astronomy we can hardly help 

 applying our general conclusions to regions of space beyond the reach 

 of the telescope. Unless there is counter evidence we may sometimes 

 extend our generalizations a long way beyond the bare facts, and 

 throw the burden of proof upon those who deny such extension. This 

 is akin to the argument known in mechanics as the method of proof 

 by gradual approach. 



But, whatever we may think of some of Agassiz's generalisations, 

 we must all admit that his productions testify to an amazing fund of 

 knowledge, to an equally amazing fertility of genius, and to an almost 

 incredible industry. 



What I note, in addition to the vast knowledge and intellectual 

 greatness of the man, is his admirable and noble character. He had a 

 remarkable sweetness of disposition. There was always around him a 

 sunny atmosphere, and it is said by his most intimate friends that none 

 could be with him without feeling the magnetism of his great, warm 

 heart. His pupils — and they are alike numerous and cultivated — bear 

 consenting testimony to his cheerful and affectionate spirit, his 

 cordial interest in their prosperity and success, and his large, strong 

 sympathies with all that appeals to generous human sensibilities. He 

 inspired them with all the ardour of his own bright and pure enthu- 

 siasm, and nothing that was mean or selfish could thrive in the 

 earnestness of the pursuit of truth in which he engaged them. It is 

 easy, therefore, to see how they revered and loved him. There could 

 be no better evidence of his genial, affectionate, sympathetic disposition 

 than the power that he had over ardent and gifted natures, and the 



7 Agassiz's candour in stating /ac^s was such as sometimes to convex t his students 

 to the doctrine he was confuting. So recently as March 4th, 1883, the Kev. George 

 Batchelor, in a sermon in Unity Church, Chicago, said : — "I studied under Asa 

 Gray and Jeffries Wyman at the time when in their respective departments — 

 botany and comparative anatomy — they were compelled to admit the doctrine of 

 evokition ; and I listened to or read the lectures in which Agassiz stated the facts 

 upon which he based his system with so much fairness and candour that he con- 

 verted to the doctrine of evolution, which he opposed, his whole class, including his 

 son, who succeeded him, and who now carries on his work." — Chicago Times, 

 March 5th, 1883, 



