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 life. Shortly before his death he had completed a paper on the part played by the psychic factors in the gradual extinction of the Melanesians ; but he saw that similar studies might be applied to other than primitive races. In the early months of the current year he accepted an invitation to stand as a Labour Candidate for London University at the next Parliamentary Election. To some this seemed a needless dissipation of the energies of an intellect which held a commanding position in science. In Rivers' mind, however, two conclusions had attained a preponderating influence. On the one hand he held strongly to the view that all branches of the study of man in the widest sense are essentially interrelated as parts of one whole, and on the other that the results do apply to, and are vitally important for, the welfare of civilized as well as un- civilized peoples. He was not alone in holding these views, but others looked to Rivers to give them form and expression and to translate an ardent desire into practical effect. Rightly or wrongly, he was convinced that at the present day the best channel for securing the application of scientific methods and results to public affairs lay through the Labour Party. Accord- ingly when the call came he was ready to take up the additional burden, and no one was better fitted for the task. That no man is indispensable has become a platitude; but of few could it be said with more truth than of Rivers that his loss is irreparable.

E. N. Fallaize.