of the Life and Woy^ks f)fM. Breguet. 207 



If the eye could discern well all these movements, it would 

 discover that they mixed with, and succeeded one another in an 

 admirable order, and our senses would be not less charmed with 

 the sight of these regularities, than with the liveliest impres- 

 sions of harmony. 



The knowledge of the moral character of those men who have 

 advanced the arts belongs to history. We delight to follow in 

 common life those who have received from nature the germ of 

 great talents. We are anxious to recognize the relation between 

 their genius and studies, and their manners, or the habits of 

 their mind ; but these relations are so perplexed and various that 

 we can scarcely seize some of the most general features. With 

 respect to that celebrated man whose labours are under our con- 

 sideration, we may say with truth that he was no less remarka- 

 ble by the disposition of his heart than by his sagacity and ta- 

 lents. All who were acquainted with him know that he was - 

 actuated by the most singular benevolence : He took the most 

 unreserved interest in the success of others, and he felt all their 

 misfortunes. In his relations with those persons who merited his 

 attachment, he discovered every day new motives for loving 

 them, and in that he showed as much ingenuity as in his me- 

 chanical inventions. ^ 



Contemporary events presented to him too many occasions for 

 the exercise of this natural benevolence. It was sufficient to 

 excite his interest that the person was unfortunate ; and were we 

 to enumerate all those to whom he offered an asylum, we must 

 record the names of the most opposite parties. 



In the practice of so many generous deeds it was impossible 

 that he himself should escape the dangers of civil discord. Un- 

 easy respecting his own fate, he fled from France, and in his 

 turn became the object of the anxieties and kindnesses of friend- 

 ship. When the political events, which rapidly succeeded, had 

 appeased the horrors of discord, M. Breguet returned to Paris 

 with his family. His establishments had been abandoned and 

 destroyed ; but talent, method, and perseverance supplied every 

 thing. He continued his former labours, and gave to his un- 

 dertakings greater extent and new forms. In England, in Rus- 

 sia, and throughout all Germany, the productions of his work- 

 shop were eagerly sought after, and acquired an extraordinary 



