HELEN ABBOTT MICHAEL 
bürg, Miss Abbott went directly to Berlin, where she spent 
nearly a week. 
She was pleasantly welcomed by the distinguished chemist 
Liebermann, whose “ immense collection of organic prepara¬ 
tions were most interesting. Case after case was filled with 
every variety of chemical compounds. It was certainly a start¬ 
ling sight to see so much of value collected together. During 
the lectures, specimens, as wanted, are exhibited. These large 
chemical collections are parallel to the zoological and ethnologi¬ 
cal collections in the big museum. It is in a great measure 
owing to such collections that the excellence of European work 
comes in.” She adds: — 
“I have found in all cases the utmost willingness on the part 
of scientific men to give me all the information possible in the 
limited time at our disposal. Never once have I seen the slight¬ 
est sign of impatience or desire to hurry me away on their part. 
They seem only too desirous of imparting, without ostentation, 
information resulting from their own work. Here I want again 
to say that from naturalists (botanists included) I have had 
more sympathy and help than from chemists.” 
She gives an interesting description of Hofmann’s famous 
laboratory: — 
“ October 12, 1887. 
“ About Hofmann. A silver-haired man, handsome. One 
who shows the result of high school associations, amiable, 
even charming in his manner. Speaks English very well. The 
places in the laboratory are so much sought for, that applica¬ 
tion must be made far in advance. I am to write and apply for 
a place in his laboratory, to avail myself of the opportunities 
of extending my knowledge. The question of attending his 
lectures would have to be done in secret, since women are not 
permitted in the auditorium, nor to work in the rooms with 
the men-students. 
“I did not meet or see the members of Hofmann’s family. 
His house, 10 Dorotheenstrasse, has always been the abode of 
chemists. Margraff, who first got sugar from beets, was the 
first to occupy it. Various busts and pictures of chemists adorn 
the laboratory walls. 
