Although this service to the state was regarded by him as only an apprenticeship to the service of science, he fulfilled its duties with such conspicuous ability that not only did he rise rapidly to the highest post in his department, but he was also entrusted with several important diplomatic missions.
A pesar de considerar o servizo público como unha vía de aprendizaxe ao servizo da ciencia, cumpriu as súas tarefas con tanta habilidade e celo que non só foi promovido a postos superiores no seu departamento, senón que tamén lle foron encargadas diversas misións diplomáticas importantes.