accorded by his many educational friends a befitting golden jubilee. Teachers of Greek and other classical scholars contributed beautiful testimonials of his life's worth and work, while newspapers noticed the event at length in the local columns and in brief editorially. I wrote him personally, receiving this reply:

Dear Dr. Culbreth: Some years ago I published a criticism of a translation from Lucian. When I met the translatrix a few months afterwards, she said to me: You reflected on my moral character and bore lightly on my Greek. So I suppose I must thank you for I am certain of my moral character; of my Greek I am not certain." Now I am just the other way except that no Greek scholar is very certain of his Greek. At any rate I am glad that in your congratulatory letter you emphasize the value of my example, for when we reach the age of maturity we lay more stress on character than on talent. And if my old students think that I have exemplified any of the cardinal virtues I become reconciled to the part I have played despite the many shortcomings of which I am conscious. Accept my best thanks for all the kind words you have written to your old teacher and friend, and all the kind thoughts you have cherished of him and his colleagues of the University of Virginia.

Yours faithfully,

B. L. GILDERSLEEVE.

Of all my teachers, Professor Gildersleeve has lived to gain possibly the greatest distinction. Many degrees and honors have been conferred upon him by various institutions, and to-day he undoubtedly stands in our country the leading exponent of the Hellenic tongue. While not following literally the example of the more ancient Greek scholar-who, spending his life's work on the article, admitted a mistake in not restricting himself to the dative case-he has been wise enough to heed the fact that no person can do well more than one thing, consequently has adhered chiefly to his chosen department, Greek, allowing little mind-diversion in pursuing deeply other avenues of knowledge. This strong factor fails to be observed frequently only to lessen the possibility of renownfor certainly the mastery of one crowns the slavery of many.

CHAPTER XXI

PROFESSORS-PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS

John William Mallet-characteristics and traits; beautiful lecturer, accurate, safe and pains-taking experimenter; fine teacher with much dignity. George Frederick Holmes, characteristics-tall, gaunt form; enjoyed students' applause, our strong regard for him; a public lecturer of merit. John Staige Davis-personal traits and magnetism, brilliant and healthful teacher, high sense of honor, facetious humor, kind and sympathetic. James Lawrence Cabell-distinguished personality, strong character, gifted intellect, kind, knowing physician; personal letter. James Francis Harrison-characteristics, brusque mannerism, popular with students and in the University management.

JOHN WILLIAM MALLET-Of the faculty, this professor was the only one of Irish birth and English parentage, and although educated in his native land and Germany he had migrated to our country in early manhood for the purpose of teaching chemistry-that in which he had gained already a world-wide reputation. He possessed, however, none of the more noticeable attributes of the typical Englishman, as he was rather tall and slender, and without ruddy complexion or the slightest provincial dialect. He was about forty-five years of age, six feet high, and weighed one hundred and sixty-five pounds. His face was of the elongated type, covered mostly with a good growth of blackish-brown beard and moustachethe former trimmed occasionally to prevent unnecessary length; forehead broad and prominent; nose rather large and well-shaped; eyes clear, bright and bluish-gray; head finely proportioned, of good size, held thoroughly erect and carrying a thick suit of brownish-black hair. His voice was strong and sufficiently deep to be rich and sonorous; language full and elegant; manners easy, reserved, positive and gentlemanly— qualities that never failed him during my two years' contact, be the provocation what it may. He was dignified, possibly a trifle formal, and while kind to students tolerated not the slightest familiarity with them. He stood and walked absolutely erect, with a quick, elastic and quiet, almost noiseless, step. In conversation he was given to smiling only wher.

occasion really demanded, which at times ran into audible laughter, so that with those of his age and liking he became very agreeable and companionable. He was popular with students despite the dignified and unbending personality, for in him we recognized a master mind and hand-such as could and would guide us properly, as well as do all that was possible to promote our interest and welfare. He received from us most universally the one title, "Professor Mallet," although a few accepted occasionally the liberty of, "Jack Mallet." He dressed well, in good taste and quietly, preferring the cutaway coat and silk hat.

In spite of his three children-John, Robert, Mary—I fancied the home life more or less retiring, as Mrs. Mallet was understood not to enjoy perfect health or hearing. I never called there, nor did others I fancy unless specially invited, as this was not necessary in order to see the Professoras he spent all of his time, except evenings, in the laboratory where he had a well-ordered office. This was accessible to all students and here he seemed always glad to see those needing advice and assistance, as well as others for a social visit whenever time permitted. During the session, however, he was continually busy, and could spare few moments for pleasurable diversion, consequently when occasion demanded did not hesitate to excuse himself with satisfactory explanation and apology. So far as in his power he allowed nothing to conflict with set duties, these being performed accurately with the stroke of the clock. In the class-room he was absolutely self-possessed, serious and busy, never ceasing the conversational side while performing experiments, so that from the beginning to the end of the hour and a half not the slightest let-up or opportunity occurred for playing soldier. He neither recognized nor accepted from himself failure in experiments, as all such work was verified carefully in advance of the lecture hour, and at the conclusion seemed always pleased to have members come up in front of the long table to ask pertinent questions and to inspect the products upon which he had lectured. Somehow or another we felt as though behind the table was his own private area upon which we dare not trespass, but possibly there was no ground for this, unless it be after the lecture on fulminates and other explosives, when for safety

sake we considered it best to keep a respectable distance. He manifested no timidity in performing experiments attended with most startling reports, or in handling chemicals that with the slightest abuse would produce serious results; and yet he was careful, never over-daring or inviting risk-simply did what he regarded duty and necessary for the best exposition of his subjects. He lectured without manuscript, but had lying before him a single sheet of legal-cap paper containing matter desired, such as headings, divisions and quotations, and beforehand always placed on the blackboard for class observation and profit the several needed formulæ of reactions, and outline drawings of any special apparatus involved in the process of manufacture. Turning at a slight angle he would refer to these, in proper connection, with his long pointer, often without scarcely moving from his lecturing position. He was not an orator or a flowery speaker-one to lose us in the giddy maze of expression, as was Professor Smithbut his clear, concise sentences were uttered abundantly rapid and seriously, often precluding the taking down of all in our note-books, even though writing at greatest speed. He reiterated nothing-that which we missed at the appointed moment was gone, unless caught through conference or the notes of others. His usual custom was to consume the first half hour of each lecture in calling the roll and quizzing, but for one or two months he tried the experiment of lecturing twice a week (Monday and Wednesday, 11 to 12.30 o'ck.) the full hour and a half, devoting the entire third period (Friday) to a general quiz. This I personally did not like so well, as it gave less variety, and required such continued high tension, each after its kind, and as this no doubt was universal, the innovation possibly has long since ceased to prevail.

He was Americanized to the extent of appreciating a joke or pun, at which when of merit he laughed heartily. I will never forget how I placed (misplaced) him one afternoon while quizzing me on the early industrial process of calico printing, wherein wooden blocks a foot square, with raised metal design attached to the under surface carrying the proper colored dye (ink), were placed together with art and precision upon plain fabric, then hammered gently to make certain a perfect impression. Instead of repeating him verba