1815. M. Parmentier. 163 
thers who have recovered that milk of which misery was drying up 
the source ; those children who no longer perish in their first years, 
withering like flowers in spring ;—if I could inform them to whom 
they are indebted for these alleviations of their misfortunes, their 
cries of gratitude would render it unnecessary for me to speak: 
there is not one of you who would not willingly exchange his finest 
discovery for such a concert of blessings. 
You will listen therefore with some interest to the details of the 
life of this useful man—this is a tribute which you will pay to those 
labours which the progressive state of civilization requires the most 
imperiously. 
Antoine Augustin Parmentier was born at Montdidier in 1737, 
of a family established for many years in that city, the chief offices 
in the magistry of which it had filled. 
The premature death of his father, and the small fortune which 
he left to a widow and three young children, confined the first 
education of M. Parmentier to some notions of Latin, which his 
mother gave him—a woman of abilities, and better informed than 
most of her rank. 
An honest ecclesiastic undertook to develope these first germs, on 
the supposition that this young man might become a precious sub- 
ject for religion; but the necessity of supporting his family obliged 
him to choose a situation which would otfer more speedy resources. 
He was therefore under the necessity of interrupting his studies ; 
and his laborious life never allowed him to resume them again com- 
pletely. ‘This is the reason why his works, so important for their 
utility, have not always that order and precision which learning and 
long practice alone can give to a writer. 
In 1755 he was bound apprentice to an apothecary of Montdidier, 
and next year came to continue it with one of his relations, who 
exercised the same profession in Paris. Having shown intelligence 
and industry, he was employed in 1757 as apothecary in the hos- 
pitals of the army of Hanover. The late M. Bayen, one of the 
most distinguished members whom that Class ever possessed, pre- 
sided then over that part of the science. It is well known that he 
was no less estimable for the elevation of his character than for his 
talents. He observed the dispositions and the regular conduct of 
young Parmentier, contracted an acquaintance with him, and in- 
troduced him to M. Chamousset, Intendant General of the Hos- _ 
pitals, rendered so celebrated by his active benevolence, and to 
whom Paris and France are indebted for so many useful establish- 
‘ments. 
It was in the conversation of these two excellent men that M. 
Parmentier imbibed the notions and sentiments which produced 
afterwards all his labours. He learned two things equally unknown 
to those, whose duty it was to have been acquainted with them : the 
extent and variety of misery from which it would be possible to free 
the common people, if we were seriously to occupy ourselves with 
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