Notes

Abstract

THE death of Sir William Ramsay on July 23 has deprived the world of one of its greatest men and science of a pioneer whose work has opened up the richest fields of research explored in modern times. For several months the sympathies of scientific men have been with Sir William on his bed of affliction, and rebellious thoughts have surged through the minds of all of us that such an intellectual giant should have been rendered helpless when his dominating influence was most needed in national life. Though he was sixty-three years of age, he was much younger in spirit and vigour; and until last November everyone who knew him supposed that he had a long period of activity still in front of him. He has now passed to his rest, and no words can express the grief felt by his countless friends and admirers at the loss sustained by them and by the nation. His genius was undoubted, and in personal characteristics, as well as in productive work, he represented science at its highest and best. His funeral is taking place at Hazlemere Church, High Wycombe, as we go to press, but the place where his remains should rest is Westminster Abbey, for the honour which he brought to his country would have been justly recognised by this mark of national recognition. The greatness of his work, and the high regard in which it is held, were shown in an article on Sir William Ramsay in our series of “Scientific Worthies” in NATURE of January 11, 1912. His memory will be cherished with affection by all who came under the influence of his attractive personality, and his contributions to knowledge will constitute a permanent monument to him in the fields of science. The nation itself has been exalted by his achievements, and a memorial of them should be placed where all may see and be uplifted by the spirit of scientific life so fully manifested in him.