The Life and Writings of Agassiz. 17 



would have been beyond the reach of a single individual, and 

 the fruits of these labours we see in these numerous pub- 

 lications. 



The reputation of M. Agassiz, and his unwearying energy, 

 transformed the little town of Neufchatel into a nursery of 

 science — to the great astonishment of the peaceful burghers, 

 who, for the most part, could not at all comprehend what 

 was going on around them. But the more enlightened 

 among them soon gathered about him, and thus a society of 

 Natural History was formed, that soon drew attention by its 

 activity. The Museum, established by the liberality of some 

 of the citizens, increased rapidly. At the recommendation 

 of M. Agassiz, a young naturalist, a pupil of his, M. Tschudi, 

 — since known by his work on Peru, — was despatched on a 

 voyage round the world, to collect objects of Natural History. 



The influence which Agassiz exercised was not confined to 

 the town where he lived. He succeeded also in reviving the 

 zeal of the " Societe Helvetique des Sciences Naturelles^'' of 

 which he was one of the directors. It was in consequence 

 of his exertions that this society resumed with renewed vigour 

 its publications, which had languished for some time for want 

 of nourishment. 



His studies of the Fossils did not make Agassiz forget the 

 Fishes, which have always been, and still are, his favourites. 

 He continued to collect materials for his " Natural History 

 of the Fresh-water Fishes of Europe." His portfolios now 

 contained a complete series of drawings, executed with the 

 greatest care by M. Dinkel, the skilful draughtsman whom 

 he had educated at Munich. Having formed at Neufchatel 

 a lithographic establishment in which there were several dis- 

 tinguished artists, he determined to commence the publica- 

 tion of his work. The plates of the magnificent Atlas — which 

 justly ranks among the first works in this department,* were 

 struck off^ under his eye at Neufchatel. It is on this account 

 only the more to be regretted, that, after having exhausted 



• We may add, that, in the opinion of M. Agassiz, the execution of these 

 plates has been surpassed only in one work, tha Ichthyology of the United 

 States Exploring Expedition. 



VOL. XLVI. NO. XCI. — JAN. 1849. B 



