Historical Eulogy on the Marquis De Laplace. 13 
He has received an unaccustomed homage; he has received it 
from his own fellows in the bosom of a learned society which alone 
could appreciate all his genius. The voice of science in tears 
has been heard in every part of the world where philosophy has pen- 
etrated. We have before our eyes multiplied communications from 
all parts of Germany, England, Italy, New Holland, of the British 
possessions in India, of the two Americas; and we find in them the 
same sentiments of admiration and of regret. Certainly the univer- 
sal sorrow of the sciences, so nobly and so freely expressed, has no 
less truth and glory than the sepulchral pomp of Westminster. 
Let me be permitted, before terminating this discourse, to add here 
a reflection which is presented of itself, when I have brought to your 
recollection within these limits, the great discoveries of Herschel, 
but which is applied still more directly to those of Laplace. 
Your successors, gentlemen, will see accomplished the great phe- 
nomena of which he has discovered the Jaws. They will observe 
in the Junar movements, the changes which he has predicted, and of 
which he only has been able to assign the cause. The continual 
observation of the satellites of Jupiter will perpetuate the memory 
of the discoverer of the theories which govern its course. The 
great inequalities of Jupiter and of Saturn, pursuing their long periods, 
and giving to these stars new situations, will incessantly bring to mind 
one of his most astonishing discoveries. Here are the titles of true 
glory, which nothing can annihilate. The appearance of the heavens 
will be changed ; but at these distant epochs, the glory of the discov- 
erer will last forever: the traces of his genius will bear the seal of 
immortality. 
I have presented to you, gentlemen, some anecdotes of an illus- 
trious life consecrated to the glory of science; may your remem- 
brances supply the defects of such feeble accents! may the voice 
of the country, may that of all humanity, be raised to celebrate the 
benefactors of nations, the only homage worthy of those that have 
been able, like Laplace, to enlarge the domains of thought, and to 
testify to man the DieNiTY oF HIs BEING, by unfolding to view THE 
WHOLE MAJESTY OF THE HEAVENS! 
Brief chronological sketch of the Life of Laplace ; by the Tran ela mn 
1749.—Born 23rd of March. 
1773.—Member of the Academy of eae and soon after, Member of the Na- 
tional Institute, and also Member of Se Board of Lage 
17 des Marées. 
