Abstract
BY the recent death of the permanent secretary of the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of France, mathematical science, and all that it stands for in the evolution of human progress, has suffered a grievous loss. Of dark complexion and large build, which were a continual reminder of his southern Proveneal origin, and of the exquisite courtesy which marks the French man of learning at his best, Prof. Darboux was no stranger in this country. Those who were present in December, 19, at the great concourse which followed the remains of Lord Kelvin to his tomb adjacent to that of Sir Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey will remember the striking l5gure who, in the uniform of the Institute of France, represented the sister nation among the bearers of the pall. Already in those early days of the Entente France made a point to send of her best-Becquerel, Darboux, Lippmannto represent her in our national mourning for a man of science whose work had united so happily the genius of the two nations. Later, at the London meeting of the International Association of Academies in 1912, Darboux was naturally prominent as one of the French representatives; and, though even then showing signs of failing health, he contributed notably as usual, by his tact and moderation and sympathy, to the successful issue of business not always easy to negotiate.
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LARMOR, J. Prof. Gaston Darboux, For. Mem. R.S. . Nature 99, 28 (1917). https://doi.org/10.1038/099028a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/099028a0