Elogc of Baron Cuvler. 345 



able ability. He closed his classical studies with all the eclat 

 which could be obtained in the society of a small town, and 

 had taken the lead in what is called the study of humanity and 

 in mathematics, branches less cultivated at that time than they 

 have been since, but of which he did not fail to perceive the 

 full importance. This natural superiority, which was so conspi- 

 cuous in him on all occasions and on every subject, had procured 

 for him a high degree of influence over the youthful compa- 

 nions of his studies, which he turned to the best account, by 

 establishing among them a little academy, over which he pre- 

 sided, and directed the proceedings. His sleeping apart- 

 ment was the place of meeting, and the foot of his bed formed 

 the seat of dignity for the president. There they perused 

 books of travels and of general history ; but natural history was 

 their favourite pursuit. Discussions ensued, and observations 

 were made on the subject of reading ; after which the young 

 president summed up, and pronounced a judgment, which was 

 generally the law. Who would not take pleasure in tracing the 

 earliest inclinations of a mind like this, which thus formed a cer- 

 tain prelude to the glorious destiny which awaited it on the more 

 extended theatre of science and literature ? 



The end of his fourteenth year, however, produced an im- 

 portant change in his situation. The Duke Charles of Wur- 

 temberg, on visiting Montbeliard, had not failed to hear of the 

 expectations which the young Cuvier had inspired : he examined 

 him, and inspected his drawings ; and immediately declaring 

 his intention of taking him under his protection, sent him to 

 Stuttgard, where a place was assigned him, free from all ex- 

 pense, in the Academy of Carolina, where he was entered in the 

 montli of March 1784, and remained four years. It was an 

 excellent establishment, where every thing was conducted on an 

 extensive scale. The progress of the young pupil corresponded 

 to the superior advantages which he there enjoyed; and he pe- 

 netrated into every department of knowledge which formed the 

 subject of instruction, with that reach of comprehension and 

 soundness of judgment for which he was always so remarkable. 

 Superior instruction was given in five different faculties, one 

 of which was exclusively devoted to the study of government. 

 It was to this that he attached himself most. The principal 

 subjects were the elementary and practical departments of law. 



