FKOM REVOLUTION OF JULY TO DEATH OF THE KING. 161 



CHAPTER II. 



FROM THE REVOLUTION OF JULY TO THE DEATH 

 OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 



Humboldt's Diplomatic Missions to the new French Court Mode of Life in 

 Paris after 1830 Death of William von Humboldt and Publication 

 of his Works Introduction of a new Epoch in the Investigation of the 

 Earth's Magnetism Jubilee of the University of Gottingen and Ex- 

 pulsion of the Seven Humboldt's Scientific Pursuits from 1830-40 

 Results of his Asiatic Expedition ' Examen critique ' Compilation 

 of ' Cosmos ' Other Spheres of Labour till the Death of the King 

 Relationship with Frederick William III. 



IN the long reactionary period between the years 1815 and 

 1848, the Revolution of July forms a marked epoch in the 

 political history of most of the nations of Europe, and nowhere 

 perhaps were its effects more evident than in Germany. In 

 the younger generation it everywhere aroused an enthusiasm 

 for liberty, and kindled even under the absolute monarchy of 

 Prussia a desire to claim the rights of political freedom. 

 Though Heine might express himself as so excited by the news 

 from Paris that ' his soul was set on fire,' and ' was filled with 

 joy and song, sword and flame,' Humboldt, who had watched 

 the phases of the first French Revolution, held himself aloof 

 from every kind of enthusiastic illusion. ' Believe me, my dear 

 friend,' he remarked to Grans, 1 upon his return to Berlin, ' my 

 wishes meet with yours, but my hopes are not so bright. For 

 forty years I have watched the successive changes in the 

 supreme power in Paris, and in every case the downfall was 

 to be ascribed to inherent incapacity ; in every case the bright 

 promises that succeeded have been doomed to disappointment, 

 and have only prepared the way for a fresh catastrophe. I 



1 * Briefe an Varnhagen/ p. 9. 

 TOL. II. M 



