But for the help of the most influential man of his day it would have been difficult--nay, perhaps impossible--to obtain for themselves and German investigation the position which, thanks to their labour, it now occupies.
I had the privilege of meeting Alexander von Humboldt at a small dinner party, and his image is vividly imprinted on my memory.

He was at that time far beyond the span of life usually allotted to man, and what I heard him say was hardly worth retaining, for it related to the pleasures of the table, ladies' toilettes, court gossip, etc.

When he afterwards gave me his hand I noticed the numerous blue veins which covered it like a network.

It was not until later that I learned how many important enterprises that delicate hand had aided.
Heinrich Brugsch is still pursuing with fresh creative power the profession of Egyptological research.

The noble, simple-hearted woman who was so proud of her son's increasing renown, his mother, died long ago.