Martins, on the Life and Labors of De Candolle. 237 



Botanique, published in the 18th part of the Dictionnaire des 

 Sciences Naturclles. 



I pass over many of the minor scientific labors of this unwea- 

 riedly active man, such as his systematic account of the species 

 of Cabbage, his description of remarkable plants of the Genevan 

 botanical garden, and numerous contributions to the memoirs of 



■ 



various scientific associations, who vied with each other in thus 

 appropriating the activity of this admirable man. More than a 

 hundred diplomas from learned societies in every part of the civ- 

 ilized world testify his scientific eminence, and the extension of 

 his literary relations. Since 1808 he has belonged to the Royal 

 Bavarian Academy of Sciences ; since 1822, to the Royal Society 

 of London. In the year 1826 he was chosen one of the eight 

 associes etrangers of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris j 

 and King Louis Philippe has tesrified his respect for the learned 

 Genevan by bestowing upon him the cross of the Legion of Honor. 

 These various marks of respect could not dazzle a man who, in 

 the most animated intercourse with science and with mankind, 

 perceived the endlessness of the subjects of enquiry, and who ex- 

 aggerated neither the measure of his own limited powers, nor the 

 amount of his influence. Like all truly great men, De Candolle 

 was modest ; and the consciousness of his own worth is shown 

 only in the lenity with which he judged others, and in the hearti- 

 ness with which he applauded their services. His twofold enthu- 

 siasm to increase the knowledge and advance the welfare of the 

 human race, reposed on a gentle but uncompromising character. 

 From temperament he was impetuous, rapid in determination, 

 firm and unfaltering in execution ; he had the practical skill to 

 carry his plans into effect in every variety of occupation. A 

 practiced physiognomist would detect these characteristics at a 

 glance. De Candolle was of a sanguine temperament, of middle 

 stature, firm, broad-chested, with proportionably long and mus- 

 cular arms, quick and elastic in his walk, light and brisk in all 

 his movements. His oval face, shaded by thick black hair, and 

 by its somewhat dark complexion reminding one of his Provencal 

 origin, was not so much distinguished by the expression of a well 

 marked and prominent profile, as by the high and finely arched 

 brow, the mobility of the features, the fire of his brown, propor- 

 tionably small eyes, which shone even through spectacles, and 

 by the charm of his mouth. In speaking, the whole intellectual 



