Ursinus College - Ruby Yearbook (Collegeville, PA)

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arity with the subject gives his lectures the stamp of authority. Perhaps most important of all is the fact that, although his explanations are clear and elucidating, yet, if students fail to comprehend a subject at once, he is willing to go over the matter, throwing new light on the perplexing question until the pupil can not fail to understand it. But Professor Gutnmere appears at an advantage, not only in the classroom, but also in the social life of the college. Always kind and courteous, he mingles freely with the students and gives advice and encouragement alike. In this matter he has been ably seconded by his wife, {net' Miss Lydia Craft Flagg, of Swarthmore,) to whom lie was married in December. 1899 Mr. and Mrs Gum-mere are charming hosts. As a musician, Mr. Gummerc has taken part in the musical organizations, and as an amateur photographer he lias been an enthusiastic member of the Camera Club, and has been the means of perpetuating many a transient scene about the place. It is due to his kindness that This Rt nv has been able to .set before its readers several of the views contained herein. As a scientist he was largely instrumental in organizing the Audubon Science Club, formerly the Mathematical-Physical Club,) and has since been one of its strongest adherents. Moreover, he has been one of the staunchest supporters of athletics at the institution, having served as chairman of the Athletic Committee. Truly a man of such refinement and courtesy, a professor of so great breadth of culture and such depth of knowledge in his specialized subjects, an instructor of so much ability and patience, such a generous and true friend to every student, a mail who does all in his power for the general interests of the institution, such a man must win, as Professor Gum mere has won, the respect and confidence of all who conic in contact with him or his work. 9

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Henry Volkmar Gummere, A. M. PROFKSSOR HlvNRV VOI.KMAR GUMMKRK, to whom this edition of This Ruby is dedicated, was born in Philadelphia on the 20th of March, 1870. He entered William Penn Charter School when nine years of age, and graduated there in 1885. I11 this year he entered the Sophomore Class at Haver ford College, from which he graduated three years later. The next year he was assistant in the Haverford College Observatory, and received the degree of Master of Arts in June, 1889. During that year he did considerable work in the observatory, accounts of which were published in the Haverford College Studies. Perhaps his most important work of that period was the computation of the orbit of Comet iSSSe. In 1889 Mr. Gummere entered the Graduate School at Harvard University, taking courses in astronomy and mathematics, and received the A. M. degree from that institution in June, 1890. He also spent the years 1890-1891, and 1892-1S93, at Harvard, in the study of mathematics, but was prevented by sickness from remaining during 1891 1892. From 1893-1898 he was assistant in mathematics at Swarthmore, after which he returned to spend another year at Harvard. It was after this excellent training that Professor Gummere came to Ursinus, in the fall of 1899. bringing with him a ripe scholarship and considerable experience in teaching. He was at once placed at the head of the Department of Mathematics and Physics, and results have proved the wisdom of the choice. However, he is not one who rests satisfied with past attainments, but is continually working out new subjects and new methods. Since, he was elected to membership in the American Mathematical Society, in 1894. (then the New York Mathematical Society,) and in 1902, in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he has taken great interest in their meetings, and has been associated with the foremost scientific men of the country. Naturally then, as an instructor, he does not adhere to antiquated methods, either in subject matter or in presentation of the work. Under his inspiration the dry bones of mathematical knowledge appear to put 011 flesh, and assume life and power. A11 occasional flash of humor often serves to impress a difficult point more firmly in a student’s mind. I11 physics and astronomy, also, his thorough famili- 8

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Contents. j The College: Faculty and Instructors. Classes. Academy. School of Theology. Summer School. Commencement Week. Literary Societies. The Ursinus Weekly. Y. M. C. A. Athletics. Clubs. Literary. Miscellaneous. Advertisements. IO