Impelled solely by an enthusiastic love of Nature, and neither asking nor receiving outside aid, these early workers opened the way and initiated the movement through which American science has reached its present commanding position.  This book gives some account of these men, their early struggles, their scientific labors, and, whenever possible, something of their personal characteristics.  This information, often very difficult to obtain, has been collected from a great variety of sources, with the utmost care to secure accuracy.  It is presented in a series of sketches, some fifty in all, each with a single exception accompanied with a well-authenticated portrait.

     “Fills a place that needed filling, and is likely to be
     widely read.”—­N.Y.  Sun.

“It is certainly a useful and convenient volume, and readable too, if we judge correctly of the degree of accuracy of the whole by critical examination of those cases in which our own knowledge enables us to form an opinion....  In general, it seems to us that the handy volume is specially to be commended for setting in just historical perspective many of the earlier scientists who are neither very generally nor very well known.”—­New York Evening Post.

     “A wonderfully interesting volume.  Many a young man will
     find it fascinating.  The compilation of the book is a work
     well done, well worth the doing.”—­Philadelphia Press.

     “One of the most valuable books which we have
     received.”—­Boston Advertiser.

     “A book of no little educational value....  An extremely
     valuable work of reference.”—­Boston Beacon.

“A valuable handbook for those whose work runs on these same lines, and is likely to prove of lasting interest to those for whom ‘les documents humain’ are second only to history in importance—­nay, are a vital part of history.”—­Boston Transcript.

“A biographical history of science in America, noteworthy for its completeness and scope....  All of the sketches are excellently prepared and unusually interesting.”—­Chicago Record.

“One of the most valuable contributions to American literature recently made....  The pleasing style in which these sketches are written, the plans taken to secure accuracy, and the information conveyed, combine to give them great value and interest.  No better or more inspiring reading could be placed in the hands of an intelligent and aspiring young man.”—­New York Christian Work.

     “A book whose interest and value are not for to-day or
     to-morrow, but for indefinite time.”—­Rochester Herald.

“It is difficult to imagine a reader of ordinary intelligence who would not be entertained by the book....  Conciseness, exactness, urbanity of tone, and interestingness are the four qualities which chiefly impress the reader of these sketches.”—­Buffalo Express.

     “Full of interesting and valuable matter.”—­The Churchman.