not reach to practical results, and amounted to nothing in their influence upon the public. The work of Licbig was nothing less than to erect both these sciences into recognized branches of study, to direct the scientific thought of his age to these fields of inquiry, and to arouse the interest of the public in their practical applications; and this great work it is his lasting honor to have accomplished. That he should have committed errors, was inevitable. The first bold original speculations upon complex subjects cannot fail to be always imperfect. And, besides, that order of temperament which fitted him to be a reformer and a leader, and to stimulate and urge on other men, was favorable to rashness of generalization and a sanguine anticipation of conclusions. And yet Liebig's leading doctrines, to whatever degree requiring modification, were steps in the right direction of investigation; while their amendment and revision have made the reputations of other men.
Prof. Liebig's name will always be intimately and honorably associated with the rise of biological science in the nineteenth century. He stands at the beginning of one of the great epochs of knowledge, to which his genius has assisted to give development and direction, and he illustrates in an eminent degrree that hio-hest trait of modern character—devotion to scientific truth to the end of a large and noble utility.
It remains to be stated that Prof. Liebig entertained large and liberal political views. Although working under the European system with great success, ennobled by it, and appreciating its advantages, he nevertheless condemned its repressions and interferences, and looked beyond the ocean for the realization of his hopes and ideas. He was an enthusiast in regard to America, where he had many more readers than in any other country, and he expected great things from freedom, intelligence, and active enterprise in the United States. He even entertained serious notions of taking up his residence in our country. Like Agassiz, he saw that there were great possibilities for the future of science on this continent, and he indulged the idea, which was much more than a fancy, of establishing a great agricultural institution in one of the States. He would have been welcome here with a cordiality beyond his anticipation; for he was not only universally known and highly respected, but the most numerous class of the community—the agriculturists—recognized him as benefactor.
