BARON CUVIER. 317 



passions, to make reason the arbitrator and supreme 

 guide of public opinion; these are the essential objects 

 of science. This is how she contributes to the ad- 

 vancement of civilization; this is why she merits the 

 protection of those governments, who, desirous of 

 erecting their power on the surest foundation, form 

 their basis on the common good." In this address 

 Cuvier briefly alludes to what makes a country truly 

 great, yet studiously avoids any allusion to his own 

 labors. 



In the year 1819, Louis XVIII., as a mark of 

 personal esteem, as well as to bestow an honor well 

 deserved, created Cuvier a Baron of France. Paris 

 embraced many scientific societies, and numbers of 

 men engaged in the advancement of science. Cuvier 

 was at the head of these, and by his efforts the 

 interests of all were harmonized. While thus actively 

 engaged in the promotion of peaceful pursuits he ex- 

 ercised a greater influence for the good of France than 

 any other man in the Empire. 



Wellington, Kapoleon, and Cuvier were born dur- 

 ing the same year, and all three became remarkable 

 characters. The fate of two of these was decided on 

 a battle-field, the issue exalting one, and dethroning 

 the other ; Cuvier made himself master of the scientific 

 field, and there won a more glorious fame than could 

 be gained by the victor of Waterloo. 



Cuvier 'died in May, 1832, aged 62 years, and was 

 buried as he had requested in the Cemetery of Pere la 

 Chaise. His funeral was attended by men of all classes 

 and shades of opinion, and in every part of France his 

 death was bewailed as a national calamity. Pasquier 

 delivered an eulogium upon Cuvier in the Chamber of 

 Peers; and this has been translated into Knglish. 



