408 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
go against public opinion; they must have the 
sanction of example, before they can make inno- 
vations. Before, therefore, we analyse the question 
above stated, it may be as well to scan the sen- 
timents of nearly all civilised nations, proved by their 
acts on this subject, that we may at once see 
whether they accord with those which have hitherto 
guided the government of this country in the honor- 
ary reward of merit. 
(278.) A few striking facts, in addition to those 
noticed in the preceding chapters, are alone neces- 
sary to establish this proposition, — That from the 
earliest revival of science down to the present 
moment, the governments of the most powerful and 
enlightened kingdoms in Europe have considered 
honorary titles or distinctions appropriate rewards 
to men of science; and that in several we find 
distinct orders of knighthood, or of merit, expressly 
instituted for this purpose. 
(279.) We must begin with France, because, as 
her institutions are better known in this country, her 
situation offers an immediate point of comparison, 
while the industry of a recent author enables us to 
argue from the most convincing of all proofs — 
names and figures. Mr. Babbage has given the 
following tables, the correctness of which has not 
been questioned. “ If we analyse the list of the 
Institute,” observes our author, “ we shall find few 
who do not possess titles or decorations ; but, as the 
value of such marks of royal favour must depend in 
a great measure on their frequency, I shall mention 
several particulars, which are probably not familiar 
to the English reader. 
