MEMOLK 609 ALFRED EpERSHEIM was born of Jewish parents in Vienna on March 7 , 1825. His family was of direct high-priestly descent, but did not belong to the narrower and more intolerant sect of the Jews. His father, Mareus Edersheim, was a man of considerable culture and wealth, and occupied a position of some standing in the city, not only as a banker, but as one interested in all intellectual and artistic pursuits. He had originally come from Holland, and had married Fraulein Stéphanie Beifuss, a lady belonging to the well-known Frankfort family of that name. Alfred was the youngest of a family of four, all possessing extraordinary gifts. As a child he was remarkable for his great personal beauty, his peculiar fascination of manner, and the unusual precocity of his intellect. No educational advantage was lacking in his home.