Sir Tannatt William Edgeworth David 1858-1934

Abstract

The death of but very few has evoked such general sorrow and regret as was felt and expressed when, on August 28, 1934, Tannatt William Edgeworth David passed into the great silent Beyond. For quite two generations past he, by his keen advocacy, ardent enthusiasm, and devotion in the search for truth had been a leading pillar of the scientific community in Australasia. But his good works were not confined merely to the realm of science, for his charming personality and deep concern in the national welfare carried him to well-deserved heights in public estimation. Attributes of his greatness were an endearing charm of manner and a nobility of mind embodying high Christian principles. He was an accomplished scholar plentifully endowed with fine instinct and broad vision. In his public utterances the richness of his inner self was often revealed as on the occasion, a year or so before his death, when at Sydney University, the doctorate of Science was conferred upon him ; in acknowledging the honour, he said, “ . . . one thing I will stand to, and that is, that all who earnestly pursue truth will find glory and loveliness in this universe, and in human hearts : a glory and a loveliness that manifest the beneficent working of an unseen Power.”