REMSEN AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY FRIEND E. CLARK, WEST VIRGINIAUNIVERSITY, MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA In October, 1898, I knocked at Professor Remsen's office door and was invited to enter and to sit in a chair quite close to his desk. There was considerable anxiety upon my part as to what might happen. Would the candidate for admission to graduate work be subjected to a series of questions concerning chemistry; might he be asked to translate a page from German or French journals: or would the professor inquire about the Latin that had preceded the study of modern languages? All of these much thought of possible inquiries excited me very much. However, nothing of that nature happened. On the contrary, Professor Remsen began to inquire most sympathetically concerning my arrival in that city, where I had stopped for the first night, and what plans had been laid for the future. He directed me to the University Y. M. C. A., a t the same time pointing in the general direction of Levering Hall. Before leaving his office, I walked to the window, pointed diagonally across the street and asked Professor Remsen if that were the Y. M. C. A. building. I shall never forget the amused expression of his face as he replied, "No, Mr. Clark, that is a building almost as important. It is a branch of the city fire department." After this incident, I found it easier to ask other questions which were most courteously and helpfully answered. At the time of entering the university, my work in organic preparations had not progressed as far as that of the average student. Therefore, a t the end of the first year, I asked Professor Remsen if he would approve my going to a certain Virginia college for a portion of the summer in order to get a little more done on organic chemistry. Remsen quickly recalled the name of a former student of his who had charge of the laboratory and gave his consent, a t the same time expressing his wish that a number of students might go there for the same purpose. This suggestion was followed, and in the fall he was keenly interested in the results of our summer's work. I recall his unique way of making statements and references to the literature. One illustration will suffice here. Quinoline was up for discussion and preparation. He began by pointing to the much spotted ceiling of the laboratory and remarked that he wished the reflux condenser might be pointed in a certain direction, in order to insure uniform decoration of the ceiling and walls. He then came close to the desk and occupied my laboratory stool, making sure, first, that the desk was clean before placing his elbow on it. (All of Professor Remsen's students will recall how immaculate he was a t all times and, furthermore, will remember how careful we were to have a t least one clean towel close a t hand to be exhibited when he was making his rounds.) Some signs of uneasiness doubt-
H. A. ROWLAND Professor of Physics B. L. GILDERSLEEVE Projessor of Greek
W. H. WELCH Professor of Pathology
D. C. GILMAN Firrl Presidenl
IRAREXSEN Professor of Chemislry
Of this group, all except Professor Welch were members of the original faculty of The Johns Hopkins University.
less developed on the part of the students when these daily interviews got under way. This time the conference was ended happily by Professor Remsen, who, after checking on the quinoline set-up, remarked, "That is the compound that discovered Skraup." This way of expressing the historical fact made a deep impression, so that I have repeated the story to my students of organic chemistry each year. It was soon noticeable to the students of these years that Professor Remsen was meditating on matters of special importance, for sometimes he would pass through the laboratory a t the accustomed hour without stopping to speak to any of us. He was preoccupied a t times. Before long we understood that he was balancing his duties to the chemistry department and his duties to the University if he should accept the Presidency of the University which had been offered to him. He began his duties as President fully expecting to keep his work in chemistry going as before and this he did for many years. In time, however, his efforts were drawn more and more to the larger field. One reference to his letters will support the belief that he reluctantly spent much time away from chemistry. In 1914 he wrote, I have taken up some of my old chemical problems again and shall devote my time largely to laboratory work from this time forth and I ask for no better occupation. I t appeals to me much more than presidential work. Inanimate things are easier t o deal with than animate, especially if the animate are in human form.
And in the same year, he wrote, This is simply to let you know that I have got hack from my wanderings over the face of the earth. I had a very pleasant time. I traveled over twenty thousand miles without a hitch and reached home a few days ago in the best of health. Things look bright t o me here.
Professor Remsen's letters were always pointing t o the future when he would renew his researches more actively. In March, 1015, he wrote, I cannot deny that I am enjoying life. My bodily health is excellent and the relief from heavy burdens of the presidency are most welcome I am getting some insight into those two chlorides. C,H
