328 ALEXANDEK VON HUM330LDT. 



sustain an elevated style frequently led him into a theatrical 

 mannerism. 



We have already seen that in those works in which Humboldt 

 thought it necessary to strive after an elegant and flowing- 

 diction even when merely short rhetorical compositions he 

 ever committed them to publication with an easy heart until 

 he had passed them under the critical revision of a friend. 

 In concluding the Introduction to the last volume of ' Cosmos,' 

 scarcely a year before his death, he remarks : 4 In the various 

 languages in which I have had occasion to write during my 

 long life, I have always been in the habit of submitting the 

 manuscript, ere it went to press, to the revision of some judi- 

 cious friend ; for the tone of colouring, if of a vivid character, 

 should by no means be the same in a simple description of 

 Nature in her outward garb and in a picture of Nature as 

 seen reflected in the human mind. The requirements of 

 poetic prose demand, however, that this line be variously drawn, 

 according to the distinctions of nationality and language. The 

 due appreciation of the force of expressions is only possible 

 when employing one's native language, in the use of which 

 instinct becomes an unconscious but sure guide. The acknow- 

 ledgment of this possibility is, however, far removed from an 

 arrogant belief in its successful accomplishment. These re- 

 marks are intended only to indicate the painstaking endeavour 

 to bring into prominence by perfection of form the intimate 

 connection between parts of a scientific and purely literary work, 

 and to point out a mode of treatment in which literary 

 excellence may be secured without any diminution in scientific 

 value.' 



A remarkable confession, in which more meaning is conveyed 

 than was perhaps intended. For if the style of an author be 

 the result of unconscious instinct as will be universally 

 admitted it is certain that no great writer can be always in 

 need of consulting the delicate perceptions of others. An 

 inexperienced artist acts wisely in submitting to the criticism 

 of a master in the art ; but if in the practice of hi& calling- 

 he never attains a feeling of self-reliance, he proves himself to 

 be but a dilettante ; and ' the most painstaking endeavour 

 after perfection of form ' can afford no compensation for any 



