18 Martins on the Life and Labours of DeCandoUe. 



will be surprised, that amidst sucli an overwhelming mass of ma- 

 terials, some objects should be described after a less thorough ex- 

 amination and scrutiny. But we never fail to recognise the intel- 

 ligent, penetrating systematizer, furnished with the happiest talent 

 for combination, even when not altogether fortunate or thorough 

 in his observation of the particular subject. Well has the great- 

 est English botanist said of him — his head is still better than his 

 eye. 



DeCandolle has given a fuller development of his morphological 

 and systematic views respecting particular families of plants and 

 genera, in a series of treatises which have been regarded as models 

 of monographical labour by all systematic botanists*. It should 

 be particularly mentioned here, that he enriched the geography of 

 plants, elevated by Alex, von Humboldt to the dignity of a pecu- 

 liar science, with many important facts, and exhibited also the 

 practical aspect of this study. His general views on this subject 

 are laid down in a valuable " Essai Elementaire de Geographic 

 Botanique,^^ published in the 18th part of the ^ Dictionnaire des 

 Sciences Natm'elles.^ 



I pass over many of the minor scientific labours of this uriwea- 

 riedly active man, such as his systematic account of the species 

 of Cabbage, his description of remarkable plants of the Genevan 

 botanical garden, and numerous contributions to the memoirs of 

 various scientific associations, who vied with each other in thus 

 appropriating the activity of this admirable man. More than a 

 hundred diplomas from learned societies in every part of the civi- 

 lized world testify his scientific eminence and the extension of 

 his literary relations. Since 1808 he has belonged to the Royal 

 Bavarian Academy of Sciences ; since 1822 to the Royal Society 

 of London. In the year 1826 he was chosen one of the eight as- 

 socies etrangers of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris ; and 

 King Louis Philippe has testified his respect for the learned Ge- 

 nevan by bestowing upon him the cross of the Legion of Honour. 



These various marks of respect could not dazzle a man, who, iti 

 the most animated intercourse with science and with mankind, 

 perceived the endlessness of the subjects of inquiry, and who ex- 

 aggerated neither the measure of his own limited powers nor the 

 amount of his influence. Like all truly great men, DeCandolle 

 was modest ; and the consciousness of his own worth is shown 

 only in the lenity with which he judged others, and in the hearti- 

 ness with which he applauded their services. His twofold enthu- 

 siasm to increase the knowledge and advance the welfare of the 

 human race, reposed on a gentle but uncompromising character. 



• M^moires sut la faniille des Legumineiises, t*ar. 1825, 4to. Collection 

 de Memoires pour servir k I'Histoire du Regne V^g^tal. Par. 1828 — 1838. 

 (10 Mem.) 



