220 Historical Eloge ()fM. Vauquelin. 



From that period he laboured under depression of spirits, and 

 wias Seized with other complaints which he had no longer strength 

 to resist. His bowels at last became affected in such a manner as 

 to leave little chance of recovery. A short visit to his native coun- 

 try in 1829, seemed to restore some degree of strength, but ex- 

 posure to severe weather during a ride of too long continuance, 

 and some neglect of proper regimen, produced an aggravation of 

 his disease, which the anxious care of his friends, who assembled 

 round him from Caen and Paris, could not in the least alleviate. 

 He died in the night of the 14th or 15th of October 1829, at 

 the Chateau d"* H6bertat, the proprietor of which, M. Duhamel, 

 lavished upon him all the attention which the warmest regard 

 and most delicate generosity could dictate. 



These were the sentiments which it was impossible not to feel 

 for that union of science and modesty which characterized M. 

 Vauquelin. Although rich, surrounded with pupils who were 

 devoted to him, and celebrated in every country where science 

 is cultivated, he had made no change in the habits of his youth. 

 Every year he returned to his village, where, however, he pos- 

 sessed considerable property. 



He there renewed his acquaintance with the peasants who had 

 been his associates at play or at work; there also he found his 

 aged mother, spinning as when she had no other possession but 

 her poor cottage ; he walked with her into the country, took her 

 along with him in his visits, and accepted of no invitation unless 

 she was included, whatever was the rank or opulence of those 

 who invited him. aoja jm 



At Paris, his life was scarcely less simple; it was passed in 

 his laboratory or among a few friends, who, for the most part, 

 were the companions of his scientific labours ; his gentleness and 

 fine ideas, sometimes of a humorous kind, and always expressed 

 without reserve, gave to his conversation a peculiar character. 

 His language was the same in this circle as in the society of 

 the most distinguished persons, and he used no more ceremony 

 with the Sovereign of Europe, who sometimes visited him, than 

 he did with the humblest apothecary who attended his lectures. 



The first Consul had one day received a letter, which seemed 

 to be nothing but a blank sheet, and his attendants being alarm- 

 ed, some supposing that it contained -Nvrili^g hi^fpp^tJ|^tic ink. 



