The Times/1905/Letter to the Editor/George Bond Howes

Layout 2A correspondent writes with reference to Dr. G. B. Howes, of whom an obituary notice appeared in The Times of yesterday:— Dr. Howes died suddenly and peacefully after a serious illness of an obscure nervous nature, which lasted for nearly two years and wholly incapacitated him for work. When, some months ago, he returned from a long rest abroad, hopes were raised as to his ultimate recovery, and he was able to visit the laboratory and discuss arrangements with his colleagues at the Royal College of Science. The improvement, however, was temporary; min the late autumn he had to resign his chair, and his friends practically gave up hope. The strong influence of his master, Professor Huxley, determined the bent of his work. Howes was in the first place a teacher, giving devoted and laborious attention to his duties. His great skill as a draftsman and his rigorous attention to detail made his practical classes a laboratory training of very high value. As a lecturer he was clean and impressive but almost too conscientiously resolved to let his hearers know the latest work that had been done and the most nicely balanced differences of opinion. Probably no zoologist in Europe and America made so arduous an effort to read the whole output of zoological literature; and while this almost excessive learning sometimes overloaded his lectures or writings, as for instance, in the case of his presidential address to section D of the British Association in 1902, it was beyond price to his fellow workers. No problem in vertebrate anatomy or morphology seemed too obscure for Howes to have grappled with its literature; and he placed this wealth of knowledge in the freest and most generous way at his disposal of any worker who chose to consult him. While his own investigations were substantial contributions to science and well worthy of high repute they brought him, it would be impossible to estimate his indirect contribution to research, made by helping other investigators. Apart from the loss to science, his death will be felt deeply by the very large circle of friends which had been attracted by his personal charm and his generous affectionate disposition. He leaves a widow, and a daughter.