XV111 INTRODUCTION. 



complished but for the rigorous habits of order which he carried 

 into all his pursuits. He reorganized the entire military establish 

 ment of Bavaria, introduced not only a simpler code of tactics, and 

 a new system of order, discipline, and economy among the troops 

 and industrial schools for the soldiers children, but greatly im 

 proved the construction and modes of manufacture of arms and 

 ordnance. He suppressed the system of beggary which had grown 

 into a recognized profession in Bavaria, and become an enormous 

 public evil one of the most remarkable social reforms on record. 

 He also devoted himself to various ameliorations, such as improv 

 ing the construction and arrangement of the dwellings of the work 

 ing classes, providing for them a better education, organizing houses 

 of industry, introducing superior breeds of horses and cattle, and 

 promoting landscape-gardening, which he did by converting an old 

 abandoned hunting-ground near Munich into a park, where, after 

 his departure, the inhabitants erected a monument to his honor. 

 For these services Sir Benjamin Thompson received many distinc 

 tions, and among others was made Count of the holy Eoman Empire. 

 On receiving this dignity he chose a title in remembrance of the 

 country of his nativity, and was thenceforth known as Count of 

 Rumford. 



His health failing from excessive labor and what he considered 

 the unfavorable climate, he came back to England in 1798, and had 

 serious thoughts of returning to the United States. Having re 

 ceived from the American government the compliment of a formal 

 invitation to revisit his native land, he wrote to an old friend re 

 questing him to look out for a &quot;little quiet retreat&quot; for himself 

 and daughter in the vicinity of Boston. This intention, however, 

 failed, as he shortly after became involved in the enterprise of 

 founding the Koyal Institution of England. 



There was in Eumford s character a happy combination of phi 

 lanthropic impulses, executive power in carrying out great projects, 

 and versatility of talent in physical research. His scientific inves 

 tigations were largely guided and determined by his philanthropic 



