32 LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



the painful thought which pursues me every- 

 where, that I live on your privations; yet it is 

 impossible for me to diminish my expenses 

 farther. You would lift a great weight from 

 my heart if you could relieve yourself of this 

 burden by an arrangement with my uncle 

 at Neuchatel. I am confident that when I 

 have finished my studies I could easily make 

 enough to repay him. At all events, I know 

 that you cannot pay the whole at once, and 

 therefore in telling me frankly what are our 

 resources for this object you would do me 

 the greatest favor. Until I know that, I 

 cannot be at peace. Otherwise, I am well, 

 going on as usual, always working as hard as 

 I can, and I believe all the professors whose 

 lectures I attend are satisfied with me." . . . 

 His father was also pleased with his conduct 

 and with his progress, for about this time he 

 writes to a friend, " We have the best possi- 

 ble news of Louis. Courageous, industrious, 

 and discreet, he pursues honorably and vigor- 

 ously his aim, namely, the degree of Doctor 

 of Medicine and Surgery." 



In the spring of 1827 Agassiz fell ill of a 

 typhus fever prevalent at the university as an 

 epidemic. His life was in danger for many 

 days. As soon as he could be moved, Braun 



