12 
WILLIAM KEITH BROOKS 
nature more clearly shown than here. His knowledge of botany 
was also constantly drawn upon whenever he dwelt on problems 
of heredity, variation, adaptation, etc. 
Brooks' affection for nature was also expressed in his observ- 
ations on the common domestic animals about him. The exact 
nature of this interest was unique to my experience, until I heard 
him read aloud from the pages of Gilbert White. Then I realized 
how the students of Brooks were being kept in contact with, and 
inspired by, a spirit which had survived as a legacy, transmitted 
to this true naturalist from a former century. 
Brooks' influence extended also to undergraduates and he im- 
pressed beginners in a manner which carries a lesson to our bio- 
logical teachers. The routine of facts to be perceived was left 
to the books and the laboratory assistant; Brooks brought out in 
graphic lectures, the larger aspects of biology. With him, details 
invariably led to some interesting relation or law. He drew well 
and deliberately on the blackboard, and was direct, simple, and 
clear. The result was to give an impression of nature as a sys- 
tem of interesting problems, glimpses of life-histories, adapta- 
tions, and action. All was alive and presented by an intimate 
friend. The student listened to a master. 
Many who may not be recognized as students of Brooks have 
thus had awakened in them an interest in nature, and an insight 
into her methods, which made a lasting impression upon them. 
This is affirmed by a number of those now conspicuous in the fields 
of medical science and practice who heard these lectures. 
More than one undergraduate was diverted into a life-long de- 
votion to biological science by this man who stood so steadfastly 
for the highest ideals of research in this field. His talks of 
nature were most persuasive, and presented to the minds of his 
listeners a vivid picture of the blue sea, the coral reefs, and the 
wonderful adjustments of the life with which they teem. This 
vision was so real as to supplant all ordinary motives of life, and 
inspire the sympathetic listener with the desire to follow the path 
of so genuine a leader. 
It was not difficult to arouse his interest. Anyone who made 
a sane observation of nature could kindle it as readily as an ex- 
