56 MEMOIR OF BARON HALLER. 



to the gout, and this was soon followed by severe 

 gravel complaints. But notwithstanding these most 

 harassing ailments, the energy of his mind continued 

 unabated, and in the midst of his pains he prosecuted 

 his scientific pursuits. When much indisposed, he 

 had the honour of being visited in his sick-chamber 

 by the Emperor of Germany, who, in addition to 

 this high compliment to his distinguished subject, 

 was solicitous personally to express to him the deep 

 interest he felt in his welfare and comfort : it was 

 a visit alike of condescension and kindness. In a 

 short time, Haller finding his strength become more 

 and more exhausted, and perceiving he could not 

 long survive his many troubles, solemnly inquired of 

 his professional adviser and friend what he thought 

 would be the term of his days, requiring at the same 

 time a reply of sincerity and truth. Dr. Eosselet 

 gave him a faithful and explicit answer, assigning a 

 time but a few weeks distant. Haller with calm- 

 ness expressed his obligation to his friend, and his 

 gratitude for the speedy prospect, and continued to 

 apply his time and powers to his literary occupa- 

 tions, and to pious offices, to which he had ever 

 given a marked and devout attention. When the 

 fatal moment approached, he was able to judge for 

 himself; and putting his finger to his pulse, he 

 remarked to Eosselet, " My pulse beats not/' He 

 thus himself indicated the moment when the vital 

 spark was extinguished, and expired on the 12th 

 December, 1777? in his seventieth year. 



Baron Haller had been thrice married ; first, in 



