Charles Henry Gauss

“ Probably he felt the same in a measure of any other line of scientific study.
I think one is apt to ask in regard to the sons of any distinguished man - Have they inherited his power? - Certainly non of Grandfather's sons to the third generation have shown anything more than ordinary ability - unless it be my Father; his mind was unusually clear, and had he lived the life of a student he would have distinguished himself, but in a less degree than his Father. ”

“ I believe it is somewhat unusual for a person of great ability in one direction to have more than ordinary ability in other ways. Grandfather was a notable exception to this. In early life he debated whether to study Philology or Mathematics and he is known for his discoveries in natural science, including electricity and astronomy almost as well as for his solution of problems in pure mathematics. It may not be so well known that he also had decided ability in Finance. ”

“ I do not think he ever studied calculus and did not use logarithms. Aside from the fact that he used shortened methods of his own, this calculation does not prove great mathematical ability so much as it does his wonderful memory. He had my brother write down the long lines of figures for fear he might forget them, but he had to carry them in his mind in making the computations.
Another instance shows his memory of what he read - and I may say here that he was a great reader. He was a deeply pious man and had been a member of the Presbyterian Church for forty years previous to his death. ”