His mind was always at work, and his knowledge always at the
service of others. He was certainly formidable, but he was
kindness itself to those who knew him, a big, lovable, generous
man who was very different from the somewhat overwhelming
person whom the less fortunate saw.

Vinogradoff belonged to a tradition and represented a type
of scholar which is not common in England, where we are
inclined to be sceptical and self-conscious in our attitude to
learning. He knew how much men like Savigny and Ihering
have done to form European civilization, and how much the
learned world of Russia hoped to do. For him knowledge was
a force in life, and a trust never to be depreciated. I shall never
forget the occasion on which he took the chair at one of the
general sessions of the International Historical Congress at
Brussels in 1923, the grave courtesy with which, as one poten-
tate addressing another, he acknowledged the presence of
royalty, the emphasis with which he introduced Mr.
Rostovtzeff as the "hope and the pride of Russia". He was at
his best in an international gathering or committee, where his
command of tongues gave him such an advantage, and the
responsibility of sagacious counsel lay upon him. In our
academic harbours -- though he loved them and found a wel-
come in them -- he lay like a great liner amidst all the bustle
and hurry of the shipping. He will become a memory, and
then a tradition; but the thought that he has gone on his last
voyage leaves in those who knew and admired him a strange
sense of desolation.

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