Fhiiosophical Character of DecandoUe. 217 



ture. Considerations derived from the symmetry of parts correct 

 in great measure what is deficient in the theory of final causes, 

 and tend, not only to resolve many difficulties, which present 

 themselves in the general economy of nature, but even to 

 transform them' into evidences of the existence of this very 

 order/' 



And here, perhaps, I may be permitted to make a short 

 digression, in order to say a few words with respect to the 

 general spirit and influence of the writings which have pro- 

 ceeded from the Republic of Geneva. 



Let others, if they please, censure the laxity of opinion which 

 is attributed to their theologians — my more grateful as well as 

 more appropriate office in this place shall be, to bear testimony 

 to the general moral tone, and beneficial tendency of their 

 literature. 



Had it not been for the existence of this independent focus 

 of learning and talent, all French publications would have been 

 but a reflexion of the Ught which radiated from the often cor- 

 rupt atmosphere of Paris ; for in France everything centres 

 in the metropolis, and in that country, as a witty writer* has 

 quaintly expressed himself— the opinions of the provinces are 

 of little more importance than the opinion of a man'slcgs.^ 



But Geneva, from its high intellectual eminence, its Pro- 

 testantism, and its independent political position, has always 

 possessed a school, both of literature and science, exclusively 

 its own, so that not only those of her sons who have continued 



* Heyne. 



t M. Flourons has unexpecteJly supplied me, in his Eloge of Decandollej 

 with an anecdote which may serve to confirm this position. Wlien Decan- 

 doUe had been appointed by M. Cretet, the Minister of the Interior, to his 

 professorship at Montpeliier, the following conversation passed between the 

 minister andLaplace, who,by way of expressing his high admiration of Decan- 

 doUe, began it asfoUows : — " Monseigneur,vous nous jouez un mauvais tour, 

 nous comptions avoir bientot M. de Candolle, a I'lnstitut." " Yotre Institut ! 

 votre Institut ! s'ecrie M. Cretet." " Eh quoi '.'' repond M. de Laph^ce, tout 

 etonne. " Savez vous que j'ai quelquefois envie de faire tirer un coup de 

 canon sur votre Institut 1 Oui, monsieur, un coup de canon, pour en disperscr 

 les membros dans toute la France. N'est ce pas une chose deplorable do 

 voir toutes les lumieres concentrees dans Paris, et les provinces en ignorasse. 

 J'envoie M. de Candolle a Montpeliier, pour y poitev I'activite." 



