142 ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 



accuracy the geological distribution of the whole of Western 

 Germany, I have descended several mines and described the 

 veins in detail, so that I intend next winter to employ myself 

 systematically on an extensive mineralogical work, a kind of 

 geological aspect of Germany.' 



In the midst of labours so arduous and so greatly diversified, 

 he received on February 3, 1795, a communication from Hei- 

 nitz, soliciting him, with many flattering inducements, to accept 

 the appointment of Director of Mines, smelting works, and 

 salt works in Silesia a post likely soon to become vacant by 

 the removal of Count von Eheden to Berlin. However grati- 

 fying such a proposal might be, it was nevertheless declined by 

 Humboldt. In his" reply, dated from Steindorf, Fichtelgebirge, 

 on February 27, 1795, he writes: 



' I am contemplating a complete change in my mode of life, 

 and I intend to withdraw from any official connection with the 

 State. A few years ago I had the honour of respectfully 

 submitting to your Excellency the plan I had formed of 

 preparing myself for a scientific expedition by a practical 

 employment among the mines. As I have a deep conviction 

 that such an expedition is highly important for increasing our 

 knowledge of geology and physical science, I am exceedingly 

 anxious to devote my energies at once to the execution of this 

 design ; the more so as the sad conviction has been gradually 

 forcing itself upon me that my physical frame, in consequence 

 of premature exertions, will feel the effects of age at an earlier 

 period than I used to think possible. Grateful as it would 

 therefore be to me, on account of my small annual income, to 

 improve my pecuniary position, it would yet be indefensible in 

 me to accept an appointment which I should have to resign 

 almost immediately. Under such circumstances, I must beg 

 most respectfully to decline the post of Director of Mines in 

 Silesia, which your Excellency has done me the honour to offer 

 me.' . . . 



Notwithstanding this refusal, the proposal was renewed in 

 almost pressing terms on April 7, 1795, by Heinitz, who em- 

 ployed every means in his power to induce him to change his 

 determination, but with no better result. 



