252 
OBITUARY. 
general make such accusations have very little knowledge of how the 
world has been made. Generosity towards the opinions of others is a 
virtue in the general relations of society; but under some circumstances, 
if continued or indulged in, becomes a weakness. Such a place is the 
one filled by our late Director. \ 
J % 
In judging of Gerlach’s character, the writer is not considering him 
in the narrow limits as Director of a school, but as the ideal man, the 
true Gerlach, the standard bearer of our profession. Another may with 
honor fill his place as Director, but this place of greater honor is the 
world property, and open to the world. Gerlach was, as said, looked 
upon as unjust, as ignoring the opinions of others. Those saying this, 
little understood the true nature of the man of whom they were speak¬ 
ing. Nothing'ever came from Gerlach without mature reflection ; noth¬ 
ing was ever done by him which was not intended for the elevation of 
our unfortunate practice into a science. Every man selected by him 
for any position as teacher in the school, was the best known to him. 
To say that he did not make mistakes, would be giving him a character 
above mortals. 'That he did not endeavor to do not only his duty, but 
his ideal duty, would be false. This apparently cold man was the most 
enthusiastic, yet practical, idealist, the writer has known. His course 
was only determined after the most careful consideration of all sides. 
He did consult, But with those to whom he was himself responsible; not 
with those it was his duty to direct. Everything was by him judged by 
his ideal-light; to this perfection he would attain ; to this end all must 
be sacrificed. Great practitioner that he is said to have been, he knew 
full well that this much lauded practical education was, and is, the curse , 
the carcinoma, consuming our vitality to-day. He did not neglect the 
practical side, but he would force it where it belongs, where it must be 
sent before we can advance to a science, that is, as a worthy and neces¬ 
sary assistant to mankind. Science is not practice alone, but this much 
lauded practical education is of itself little better than educated quack 
ery. Knowing this, knowing the right, strong in the self-consciousness 
of right and his own ability, Gerlach went onward entirely regardless of 
men. Many and many a time, in speaking with the writer over his life’s 
work, would he say: “ My friend, would we could consult more with 
those we would work with, but it cannot be; as you go on with your 
work you will find, this one would modify that, and another this part of 
your plan, and the end would be, nothing of value would be done.” 
Study, think, weigh all things, and as said before, “ be sure you are right, 
then go ahead.” Was Gerlach alone in thus reading the art of human 
