Abstract
UNFORTUNATELY it far too often happens that there seems to be an impassable gulf fixed between the man of letters and the man of science, which hinders the one not only from partaking in, but even from appreciating, the ideas, the objects, and the methods of the other. There is no need, especially here, to impute blame to either; but when a man of letters is found who, modestly making not the least pretension to scientific knowledge, yet sympathises deeply with the man of science, some acknowledgment of the fact seems to be due. Such an instance there was in Mr. Henry Bradshaw, Senior Fellow of King's College, and Librarian of the University, whose sudden removal Cambridge is now mourning. Of his literary ability, his bibliographical accuracy, his mastery of one important period of English poetry, and his knowledge of early printed books, this is not the place to speak. Justice to those qualities doubtless is being, or will in due time be, rendered by other writers, better fitted to pronounce an opinion upon them. But here may be appropriately recorded the enthusiasm —for no other word will suit—with which he at all times entered into and aided inquiries, investigations, and researches that most men in his position would have considered to lie entirely outside of their own, and as such to be without any dereliction of duty disregarded. His time, his energy, and his varied attainments were always at the disposal of any member of the University, whose servant, in the highest sense of the word, he rejoiced to be. But there was no need for any one to be a member of the University to obtain his help. Accessible at all times to all who sought him, the asking of a simple question was a sufficient introduction, and whether that introduction was only the prelude to an acquaintanceship which might speedily ripen into a friendship depended far more on the person who asked it than on himself. By the younger members of the University to whom he was known, and the number of them was vast, he was regarded with feelings of affection, that it would seem almost exaggeration to describe, and his influence over them, always tending towards the highest ends, was proportionately great. But here it is more fitting to dwell upon the active sympathy he showed with students of biology. His great intimacy with the late Mr. G. R. Crotch had led him to take an extreme interest in the literature of systematic zoology, and particularly in the precision which is required of those who pursue the branch of it relating to the Coleoptera, not that Mr. Bradshaw must be supposed to have had any knowledge of the subject. It was simply the method of accurate work which excited his admiration, and that method, he has more than once told the present writerr had largely influenced his own bibliographical investigations, the high value set upon which must be told by those whom they concern. Never taking offence, wholly free from pride, always ready to put the best construction on every man's conduct, catholic in all his feelings, Mr. Bradshaw passed away in his College rooms, apparently without any suffering, on the night of the zoth or morning of the iith of this month—an end to be envied by most men.
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N., A. Henry Bradshaw . Nature 33, 366 (1886). https://doi.org/10.1038/033366d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/033366d0