172 MEMOIR OF PELTIER. 



vent liim from dictating to his son his ideas on the cleavage of trees by the 

 electric spark. 



" In men whose life is in their intellect, the obstructions of the physiological 

 functions have but a feeble effect on the brain ; this was, nevertheless, the last 

 time that his thoughts manifested themselves to those around him. The next 

 morning his friends found him sinking, but calm ; a few hours and he was no 

 more. 



*' Thus terminated this life so filled with labor of which science had the best 

 and noblest portion. He died finnly believing in the infinite progression of 

 physical philosophy, and confident in the bright future of experimental science, 

 which he regarded as the anchor of safety and truth. 



'' For him is accomplished that terrible phenomenon w"hose name is death ; 

 but, like all strong men who dare to look beyond, he was prepared," 



