Page:Percival Lowell - an afterglow.djvu/14



worlds than this, our earth, had begun to dominate his studies. Soon he was practically engrossed by the investigations thereby opened to him, and his memorable achievements were, in quick succession, gained.

In the tribute which here follows, no attempt has been made to portray Dr. Lowell definitely in his distinction as a commanding scholar and far-venturing astronomical scientist. That distinction is accepted as fact by the writer who was for a long time in Dr. Lowell's chosen work, closely associated with him in carrying it onward. In this tribute are given glimpses of what Dr. Lowell was as an individual, human personality; in effect, here is an "afterglow," from what may be termed a vie intime. Notes of his personal moods and habits have been chosen to recall his specific individuality: various characterizing anecdotes are remembered; memories of his loving studies of the minor things of nature; crystals, plants and trees, insects and birds and other animate creatures which were an incessant playtime stimulus to his curiosity, are collected. The writer has also added to her memorial tribute many quotations from characteristic letters, that these may give a yet nearer understanding of Dr. Lowell, both as a genius in science and as a man of affairs. In this tribute, I am confident, there is much to make more real and to confirm the admiration of many who have read Percival Lowell's various books, or who were privileged to listen