10 Biographical Memoir of the late Friedrich Hoffmann. 



By the kind assistance of the ministers of the crown, he obtained 

 the necessary means and leave of absence, to enable him to make 

 a scientific journey through Italy and Sicily. The duration of 

 the expedition was at first limited to two years, but was pro- 

 longed to three years and a half. He started from Berlin in 

 October 18J29, and did not return till March 18S3. 



Hoffmann formed the plan for his journey with the greatest 

 circumspection, and made it as comprehensive as was permitted 

 by his resources. It was of importance to him to arrive in the 

 volcanic territory in possession of a perfect acquaintance with 

 the language of the country, and of as extensive preliminary 

 knowledge as possible; and provided with good instruments, and 

 influential letters of introduction. For these purposes, the 

 preparations he had made at Berlin were insufficient. He pro- 

 ceeded, first of all, to Vienna, where he remained till the latter 

 part of January 1830. This prolonged stay in a capital so 

 closely united with Italy, was for him a very rich source, not 

 only of information in facts and the language, but also of very 

 valuable acquaintance with individuals ; even his Imperial 

 Highness the Archduke John furthered his views by giving 

 him the most important letters of recommendation. The win- 

 ter of 1829-30 was characterised by greater cold, and a larger 

 quantity of snow, than any previous one subsequent to that of 

 1788-9 ; it was particularly severe in the south of Europe, and 

 Hoflmann, who entered Italy by Trieste and Venice, did not 

 experience the perfect spring of the south till he descended 

 from the Apennines into the valley of the Arno. His winning 

 manners every where gave effect to his introductions ; and from 

 Florence he had the advantage of visiting, in most instructive 

 society, the Maremma and the remarkable island of Elba. A 

 lengthened visit to Siena was employed in writing an account 

 of his observations, while they were still fresh in his memory, 

 and while he was in a neighbourhood which rendered it easy 

 for him to supply any deficiency. He left Siena about the 

 middle of April ; but the road to Rome presented so many ob- 

 jects of interest, that he did not arrive there till May. Two 

 months were requisite to examine with care the classical site and 

 vicinity of Rome ; and his trips to the neighbouring mountains 

 led to the idea of deviating from the direct road to Naples, and 



