38 LOUIS AGASSIZ. [CHAP. in. 



politeness was dignified, his manner that of a courtier 

 accustomed to move among men in high office or of 

 great social position. But he was kindly disposed and 

 good hearted, his most notable characteristic being a 

 kindliness directed right to the point, in order that no 

 time might be lost. He always acted as if every hour 

 was extremely valuable to him, working methodically ; 

 each day, each hour, having its task appointed in 

 advance, and he was reluctant to be interrupted or 

 interfered with in the course of his researches or 

 thoughts. The first meeting was more than satisfac- 

 tory to Agassiz, who had not expected such a friendly 

 reception, which, in his own words, " more than fulfilled 

 his expectations." He was absolutely astounded by 

 the great erudition, the prodigious memory, and the 

 extreme facility of Cuvier in passing from one ardu- 

 ous subject to another. Agassiz was more than 

 charmed ; he was actually astonished by the immense 

 amount of knowledge accumulated in the brain of a 

 single man. This first impression was never changed ; 

 and the more he knew of Cuvier, the more he admired 

 him. Agassiz had found his master, and his leader for 

 life. 



After a few days of intercourse, Cuvier was so satis- 

 fied with the author of the Brazilian fishes that he gave 

 him and his artist a corner in one of his laboratories, 

 the one devoted to fishes ; for Cuvier possessed a lab- 

 oratory for each of his works, where was accumulated 

 everything pertaining to the subject, such as specimens, 

 drawings, and books, in order not to lose time. The 

 arrangement was a matter of wonder to Agassiz, who 



