ELIE DE BEAUMONT. 509 



to discuss the whole theory of mineral waters, metalliferous deposits, 

 and volcanic products, and to show the relations between these appar- 

 ently unlike classes of phenomena. He here gave the weight of his 

 great authority to the then novel doctrine of the aqueo-igneous fusion 

 of granites, and thus did much to advance the modern notions with 

 regard to eruptive rocks which are displacing those of the older plu- 

 toiiic school. This essay will remain a landmark in the progress of 

 chemical geology, and one of its author's most important contributions 

 to his favorite science. On the (fther hand, his conclusions with regard 

 to the geology of the Alps, and especially with regard to the anthra- 

 cite formation of that region and the supposed conversion of mesozoic 

 strata into crystalline rocks, have been rejected by recent investigators, 

 and the results of the study of the Mont Cenis tunnel are held by many 

 to have demonstrated their inaccuracy. 



Elie de Beairtnont was for nearly forty years member of the section 

 of geology and mineralogy in the Academie des Sciences, of which he 

 became one of the perpetual secretaries as a successor to Arago. On 

 the creation of the senate he was made a Senator of the Empire, and 

 he was raised to the dignity of Grand Officer of the Legion of 

 Honor. 



In his various relations, both public and private, the character of 

 Elie de Beaumont was marked by purity, elevation, and a religious 

 conscientiousness which commanded the higliest respect. If in his 

 later years he became somewhat impatient of contradiction when his 

 peculiar views were called in question, he was a kind friend, a generous 

 encourager of youth, and full of a delicate and unostentatious benevo- 

 lence which endeared him to all those who, like the writer, had the 

 advantage of knowing him personally. He was a gi'eat fevorite with 

 students, and to the last year of his life esteemed it a privilege to 

 accompany the pupils of the Ecole des Mines in their geological excur- 

 sions. Elie de Beaumont's strong sense of duty and of patriotism was 

 shown in the dark days of the late siege of Paris. Though urged by 

 his friends to fly, he declared his intention to remain faithful to his 

 post of perpetual secretary to the Academy, and neither the terrors 

 of the bombardment nor of conflagration could disturb his fixed pur- 

 pose, nor interrupt his nightly and severe studies. He married late in 

 life a woman in every way worthy of him ; but their union was of but 

 few years' duration, and she died leaving him no children. His life 

 was long, happy, and honorable ; and his name will remain as one of 

 the great scientific glories of France. 



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