James Smithson was the illegitimate son of the first Duke of Northumberland, third creation. His mother was a lineal descendant of Henry VII. Despite so much blue blood, the bar sinister seared James Smithson all his life. A cultured, studious bachelor fond of science and travel, he might logically have left his money to Britain's venerable Royal Society. However, according to the great U. S. naturalist, Louis Agassiz, his feelings were hurt when the Royal Society failed to publish some papers which he submitted. Therefore, his will directed that if his nephew...
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