Eloge of Baron Cuvier. 341 



who could feel and appreciate the value of a vast and superior 

 mind, equal to the comprehension of the loftiest subjects, and 

 not despising what was worthy of attention even in the most 

 humble; which could seize upon what was most valuable in 

 each, and convert to the furtherance of its own plans ; and which, 

 above all, enabled him, in the exercise of the varied functions 

 which he had to fulfil, to promote and secure the final success 

 of all wise and profitable views. It was thus that the same in- 

 dividual who originated a new order of ideas in the natural 

 sciences, and who added a new science to those which already 

 formed the riches of the human mind, could take the lead for 

 twenty years in the Council of State, and exhibit, in the midst 

 of so many pursuits, such powers of debate in matters of legis- 

 lation, as to render him the most able organ which the govern- 

 ment of a great and enlightened nation could employ, in either 

 Chamber, for the defence of its plans. 



In this, gentlemen, I advance nothing of which you have not 

 yourselves been witnesses on many occasions; but I may be 

 permitted to state, that no one of my auditors has enjoyed ad- 

 vantages equal to myself for appreciating and admiring the 

 talents of M. Cuvier, from so early a period of his life, and for 

 such a length of time. I witnessed his elevation to the Council 

 of State, where I had preceded him some years, and I venture 

 to say, that, although the paths that had conducted us were so 

 widely asunder, I could immediately perceive the place which 

 he would occupy in the management of affairs ; yet it excited 

 surprise in many that he took any part in these, so difficult is it 

 to understand or to admit that one who has gained an undisputed 

 superiority in one department, should aspire to pre-eminence in 

 another. On leaving the period, when I was no longer person- 

 ally associated with M. Cuvier, his labours were nevertheless car- 

 ried on so near me, that neither their nature, nor their various 

 merits, escaped my notice. The connexion I had with him in pub- 

 lic life could not fail to inspire me with a strong attachment to 

 him, joined to the highest esteem ; feelings which I am the more 

 happy to avow, as they were so justly due. You now know, 

 gentlemen, on what grounds I have ventured to present myself 

 before you. I hope that the difficulty of the task I have under- 

 taken will procure for me the indulgence of which I stand in 

 need, and which I shall endeavour to deserve, by confining my- 



