PUBLICATION OF KESULTS OF EXPEDITION TO AMERICA. 15 



assistance was secured of Latreille, Cuvier, and Valenciennes. 

 In 1804 Humboldt had expressed the hope that not more than 

 two or three years would be required for the arrangement and 

 publication of the results of his American journey; as there- 

 fore, after a lapse of ten and even twenty years, the whole was 

 not fully accomplished, it is impossible to avoid the conclu- 

 sion that besides the many hindrances to publication arising 

 from external circumstances, the work must have been originally 

 planned upon too gigantic a scale. Its elaboration demanded 

 the employment of powers of the highest order, the technicali- 

 ties of the publication needed the most skilful hands, and the 

 greatest circumspection was called for by the booksellers in 

 effecting the sale. Humboldt scrupulously attended to the 

 management of every detail. Men of science willingly became 

 his coadjutors, and received in return liberal compensation. 

 Skilled artists were called into requisition, but at the cost 

 of a considerable outlay. From the booksellers he exacted 

 large sums, for which in view of the great pecuniary sacrifices 

 involved by the journey he is certainly not to be censured. 

 The booksellers, in consequence, expected to realise large profits, 

 and sought eagerly for purchasers. To promote the sale the 

 agency of the press was brought into operation, and the services 

 of competent writers secured for introducing the works favour- 

 ably to the notice of the public. In soliciting reviews Hum- 

 boldt displayed considerable tact, and always adopted a noble 

 and straightforward course when endeavouring to interest others 

 in his cause. He was never anxious for indiscriminate or pre- 

 concerted praise, but only for a just criticism ; yet, distinguished 

 as he ever was for modesty, he always cherished a grateful 

 remembrance of every gratifying appreciation of his work. 

 Undeserved blame, on the contrary, excited in him considerable 

 irritation, especially when emanating from critics vastly his 

 inferiors in knowledge. To men like Pictet, Martin, Malte- 

 Brun, and others, who, while distinguished for their scientific 

 attainments, and enjoying the command of several important 

 organs of the press, generously undertook an unreserved criticism 

 of his works, in which their merits were frankly recognised, 

 Humboldt never failed to express with courtesy his grateful 

 thanks ; but as little could he conceal his displeasure when 



