MEMOIR OF M. ISIDORE GEOFFROY SAINT HILAIRE. 393 



tlie life of Isidore Geoffroy was passed ; a world very small, to judge by its 

 extent, but very large to him who could see in it an epitome of the living crea- 

 tion ; and our lamented compatriot found it extensive enough to exercise all 

 the faculties of his mind and the peculiarities of his character.* 



The books of which Ave have sketched the tendency and the results attest the 

 activity of his mind, while his character was not less seen in the mixture of firm- 

 ness and gentleness with which he exercised his functions. At the institute and 

 the museum his word had always a real authority over his colleagues. At the 

 Society of Acclimatation and elsewhere many thought they followed the inspi- 

 ration of their own minds when they only yielded to an influence that could 

 hide itself, the better to reach a desired end. Everywhere — and this is not his 

 least praise — his subordinates cheerfully obeyed his orders, always clear and 

 precise, or accepted his decisions, dictated by kindness and justice. 



Isidore Geoffrey had known all the joys of the heart, and he had felt, too, all 

 its sorrows. A twin sister, worthy to understand him, had been the companion 

 of his childhood.t At the age of twenty-five he married Moxlemoiscllc Louise 

 Blagnei: ; and all who have known this young lady remember her cultivated 

 mind, affectionate disposition, and graceful manners. A son and daughter, the 

 fruits of this union, brought the gaiety of childhood into this united family, 

 over which was shed the influence of the gentle good sense of his mother and 

 the brilliant glory of his fathei-, while he himself was becoming daily more dis- 

 tinguished. It was a happiness too complete to last. Etienne Geoffrey lost 

 his sight in 1840, and although the patient resignation of this martyr of science § 

 tended to soften to his family the pain of this trial, all must have felt that their 

 happiest days were over. The head of the family passed away the 19th June, 

 1S44, and shortly after Madame Isidore Geoffrey was seized with one of those 

 incurable maladies which wear out slowly the springs of life. Her husband 

 had long to endure the anguish of witnessing the suflcring of a beloved being 

 Avhose days are numbered. She died the 20th N"ovember, 1855. The sister 

 forgot her own griefs in consoling her brother and mother. She, also, died, 

 almost unexpectedly, the 13th June, 1860. - 



One should have known Isidore Geoffrey intimately to comprehend the effect 

 produced by these successive losses on this savant, apparently so calm and even 

 cold, but, in reality, so warm and loving. "This poor, torn hc'art felt inces- 

 santly the loneliness of its home, the absence of that wliich comforts, tran- 

 quillizes, vivifies." Everywhere he found "the bittei-ness of regret, the remem- 

 brance of happiness once possessed."|| To escape, at times, these heart-rending 

 thoughts, he plunged into study with a sort of desperation. He accepted, on 



* In speaking of tlio wonderful development of the collections of this establishment, Etienne 

 Geoffroy had so id : "The museum is becoming- a Noah's ark." (Progressive Studies of a 

 Naturalist.) 



t Isidore Geoffroy had had twin sisters. M. Mademoiselle Anais Gcoffroy Saint Hilaire 

 died at the age of 19. The other, Madame Stephanie Geoffroy Saint Hihiire, sm-vived till 

 June, 1860. The pen of a friend has rendered a just and pious homage to this lady, whom it 

 is impossible to know without loving, and who had herself known every grief that could 

 afflict a delicate and affectionate heart. (Lcs puit de la doulcur, by Madame Marie Tape 

 Carpentier. ) 



t March 20, 1830. 



§ During his abode in Egypt, and in consequence of hard work, Geoffroy Saint Ililaire had 

 been seized with ophthalmia, and had remained twenty-nine dajs without sight. "1 shall 

 become blind again in my old age," he had often said. He did not the less continue to write 

 great part of the night, reserving the day for his researches. This habit certainly contributed 

 much to bring on the inlirmity, the anticipation of w^hich never stopped him for a single 

 moment. 



il Sixth annual session of the Society of Acclimatation. Discourse of M. Drouyn de I'Huys, 

 president. (Bullctinc de la Society.) If other orators liere dwelt more on the merits of 

 Isidore Geoffroy as a savant, none has so well displayed the amiable qualities of the man. 



