M POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



iology, one in physics, one in chemistry and one which was introduced 

 by Cuvier in 1795, in comparative pathology, anatomy and anthro- 

 pology. 



The new zoological galleries, begun in 1882 and opened to the 

 public for use in 1889, were during his life under the care of de 

 Quatrefages. 



The museums of geology and mineralogy are very large and com- 

 plete. In the building in which they are found are the library, the 

 herbarium and the orangery. The museum celebrated its hundredth 

 birthday in 1896. Its treasures are nearly all accessible to the public, 

 although there seems to be a love for destruction on the part of the 

 public against which constant watchfulness is necessary. Eminent as 

 the professors in the museum are in the scientific world, they devote 

 themselves so completely to their studies that in Paris many of their 

 names are unknown. 



The Observatory 



It was to meet the wants of members of the Academy of Sciences, 

 as well as to take the lead in every form of scientific work, that 

 Colbert with the approval of Louis XIV. laid, in 1GG6, the foundation 

 of what has proved to be one of the best observatories in Europe. A 

 good deal of astronomical work had been done in the previous century: 

 at Cassell, and at Unranienberg, where Tycho Brahe had been stationed 

 and where his observatory late in the century was destroyed by the 

 fury of the people and he himself compelled to flee to Germany for 

 protection. During this century nearly all the observatories were 

 private property and were poorly equipped. In the next century 

 greater interest was taken in astronomy and many of the superstitions 

 connected with its study had passed away. 



It was quite natural that Colbert, who was determined that if pos- 

 sible Paris should be the scientific as well as the literary center of 

 Europe, should persuade the king to make generous provision for an 

 observatory and to invite the most eminent astronomers living to make 

 Paris their home. Jean Dominique Cassini was brought from Italy 

 and with him were associated Frenchmen hardly less eminent than 

 he, Philippe de la Hire and the Abbe Picard. 



The observatory was on St. Jacques street over the catacombs, some 

 of which were utilized as laboratories and as lunettes, an object glass 

 being placed at one end and an eye glass at the other. An interesting 

 account has come down to us of a visit of the king to the observatory 

 on May 21, 1682. He was received with becoming honor, and the work- 

 ing of the instruments, in which he seemed deeply interested, was care- 

 fully explained to him by Cassini and his associates. The site which 

 members of the Academy of Sciences had selected, June 21, 1667, was 

 an attractive one. It was in the midst of gardens and yet commanded 



