OBITUARY NOTICES. 
475 
bright and receptive mind, education served to store it with 
a rich harvest of facts and well-digested opinions. During 
recent years he was brought daily into close personal and 
professional intimacy with scientific specialists, and as editor 
of the publications of a large and important scientific bureau 
annually producing many volumes, the product of scholarly 
minds, it was requisite that he should possess a general and 
comprehensive knowledge of the subjects treated as well as 
a thorough literary ability. How well equipped he was for 
his work and how complete his mastery of its details is best 
known to the men whose privilege it was to consult him daily 
and who had learned to welcome his advice and criticism. 
It was in the exercise of his daily functions as a critic that 
the kindliness of Hampson’s nature was most apparent. 
Criticism of an author’s work is at best but a thankless task 
and only too apt to hurt pride and arouse opposition. Hamp¬ 
son’s ready tact and generous sympathy robbed criticism of 
its sting without in the least blunting its force or weakening 
its effect. 
While not himself a producer of scientific works, Mr. 
Hampson’s death was a distinct loss to science, most deeply 
felt by those who received his criticism and suggestions in 
the line of his duty. 
Mr. Hampson was of fair complexion, medium height, and 
of robust frame. His eyes were bright and sparkling, the 
expression of his face singularly frank and pleasing, and his 
manner and address such as to inspire immediate confidence. 
His kindliness of heart and genial disposition were con¬ 
stantly bubbling over in open mirth, and perhaps his most 
marked characteristic was a certain enthusiasm and boyish¬ 
ness of manner which was peculiarly attractive. 
H. W. Henshaw. 
