166 EU>ge of Baron Cumer. 



The extent of his historical knowledge supplied inexhaustible 

 information on this vast subject ; and his scrutinizing mind had 

 treasured up a multitude of practical maxims, which were of 

 value on all occasions. A very brief visit to London enabled 

 him to obtain such an accurate knowledge of the mechanism of 

 the English government, that he was able, on his return, to 

 overthrow, by irresistible demonstration, the false notions which 

 had been formed respecting it, by those who pretended to be 

 best acquainted with it. With such an aptitude to acquire 

 knowledge, and always founding his mode of proceeding on the 

 most exact knowledge of facts, whose province it is so often to 

 confirm or confute principles, he must needs be led occasionally 

 to differ in opinion from those who shew less regard to facts 

 and the results that flow from them, and who are often forced, 

 sometimes in very opposite senses, to incline the balance of legis- 

 lature towards the opinions with which their minds were pre- 

 occupied. If M. Cuvier's opinions were not at all times tri- 

 umphant in the struggles in which he was so often engaged on 

 many great and difficult questions, no one, at least, can deny 

 that he brought to the discussion much useful knowledge, which 

 had often the effect of improving even those plans which did 

 not obtain his entire approbation. And you know how the bril- 

 liant and solid qualities of his mind were always displayed, in 

 the speeches which he delivered before the Chambers in behalf 

 of the schemes whose defence he had undertaken. Such of his 

 auditors as were not convinced, did not fail to render homage 

 to the suitableness, the elevation, and dignity of his address, 

 and were always delighted to hear him, even when they opposed 

 his suggestions. 



Among the most remarkable of these discourses^ I do not 

 hesitate to mention that which he delivered in 1820, in the 

 Chamber of Deputies, on the law of elections. I am greatly 

 deceived if his powerful reasoning was not supported by elo- 

 quence of the noblest kind. And here, gentlemen, a reflection 

 occurs to me : M. Cuvier, throughout the whole course of his 

 political life, never appeared as a supporter of the governments 

 under which he lived ; and this, it must be confessed, would be 

 a sufficient reason, in the eyes of some, to regard him with Jess 

 consideration. 



