The Duke of Argyll

Abstract

AMONG the losses which science is from time to time called upon to deplore, not the least serious arise from the death of men of prominent public position who have taken an active personal interest in the advance of natural knowledge, and have done their best to promote it. The late Duke of Argyll was an eminent example of this type of man. Heir of a long line of illustrious ancestors, who for many generations have played a leading part in the stormy annals of their native country, called early in life to the legislature where he mingled conspicuously in the political conflicts of his time, full of wide and generous sympathies which prompted him to speak or to write on most of the great questions that agitated the public mind during his long and brilliant career, the Duke yet found time to read much and widely in science, and to keep himself acquainted with the progress of scientific discussion and achievement. He was happily gifted with a marvellous versatility, so that he could turn rapidly from one sphere of thought and activity to another far removed. Hence, amid the cares of State and of the administration of a great domain, as well as in the sorrow of domestic bereavement, he was often to be found immersed in the perusal of some recent treatise, or carrying on a research of his own in those parts of the scientific field which more specially interested him. Whether as an acute critic of the labours of others, or as an observer of nature himself, his devotion to these pursuits remained a characteristic feature of his life from the beginning to the end. It is difficult at present to define with precision the extent and value of the services of such a man in the progress of the science of his time. His own original contributions may be little in amount or importance, but his example and his enthusiasm, together with his political activity and his social rank, combine to make him a force in the land, which powerfully aids any good cause which he espouses. The death of the Duke of Argyll is thus an event which must be chronicled with sincere regret in the pages of a scientific journal.