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The Life and Writings of Francis Huher. By Professor 

 A. P. De Candolle. 



Every thing which brings into view the surmounting of a 

 great difficulty, is gratifying to the human mind. Those who 

 are the least adventurous or inventive, are pleased with the ex- 

 hibition of examples by which the bodily or mental strength of 

 their fellow-creatures has been enabled to conquer obstacles 

 which appeared to be insuperable ; and it is in a feeling of this 

 nature that all the wonderful tales of ancient times have had 

 their origin. Those who are more accustomed to reflection, 

 love to follow such examples into their details, and to study the 

 process by which men of genius have succeeded in overcoming 

 trials, or turning them to a good account. If such efforts are 

 of short duration, they are admired as facts of fleeting occur- 

 rence ; but if the obstacle is permanent, and the efforts continue 

 unrelaxed, the admiration which is excited by a momentary 

 burst of genius or energy is increased, by the more profound 

 sentiment which results from the contemplation of that sus- 

 tained force, that voluntary and immoveable patience, which is 

 the gift of so small a portion of our race. Such examples ought 

 to be preserved for the honour of humanity, and for the eii- 

 courasrement of those who are inclined to turn aside at the 

 prospect of difficulty. It is right to demonstrate from time to 

 time to voung people, that, if patience and resolution are not, 

 as some have asserted, the only elements of genius, they are at 

 least its firmest auxiharies, its most powerful instruments ; and 

 that they are faculties so important, as to lead not unfrequently, 

 in the search of truth, to the same results as genius itself. 

 These reflections, though they may perhaps appear at the first 

 glance to be somewhat pretending, will receive support from 

 the history of the individual to whose memory this notice is 

 devoted. 



Francis Huber was born at Geneva, on the 2d of July 1750, 

 of an honourable family, in which vivacity of mind and imagi- 

 nation seemed liereditary. His father John Huber, had the re- 

 putation of being one of the most witty men of his day ; a trait 



