168 Eloge of Baron Cuvier. 



as M. Cuvier had done from those which regulate the organi- 

 zation of living beings. This explanation of his views and po- 

 litical conduct, has been often given, I am well assured, by M. 

 Laplace himself, and especially by one of those individuals 

 who occupies a high place in the empire of science, and whom 

 the Chamber may now congratulate on reckoning among its 

 members. 



It will not be supposed that M. Cuvier, although influenced 

 by the motives which I have mentioned to defend the pro- 

 ceedings of the governments under which he enjoyed the pro- 

 tection of the laws, was on that account hostile to the useful and 

 progressive improvements which are necessary to the welfare of 

 every institution ; but it was his wish that these should result 

 from patient and enlightened observation ; that they should not 

 be adopted in a state of passionate excitement, but undergo a 

 calm and deliberate discussion, after a careful study of sound 

 principles, and a conscientious inquiry into what was really 

 needed. Need I mention, gentlemen, how valuable this dis- 

 position would have rendered him, in the rank to which he had 

 been recently raised among you, joined as it was to such var 

 ried and profound knowledge, and such extensive experience 

 in the affairs of Government ? His name was necessary to com- 

 plete the series of illustrious men whom I previously recalled to 

 your recollection ; and it was not possible that he could fail to 

 be the choice of an enlightened prince, when occupied in filling 

 up part of the void left in this Assembly, and seeking for names 

 capable of maintaining the order of the peerage, in that degree 

 of power and celebrity, of which it cannot be deprived without 

 striking a blow at one of the strongest pillars of the state. 



M. Cuvier was particularly sensible of the honour which had 

 been conferred on him : he regarded it as a flattering reward of 

 his labours and services ; and he rejoiced at the same time to 

 find himself in a situation which gave him the right of express- 

 ing his sentiments without restraint, in a place which secured 

 to them a favourable hearing, and increased the respect which 

 could not be withheld from their intrinsic worth. The discussions 

 which took place in this Chamber, afforded him advantages on 

 which he must have placed the highest value. He was certain 



