48 CARNOT. 



the north, the west, as if it were seated in the midst of 

 the combatants. 



These somewhat spontaneous creations, these patriotic 

 directions given to so many noble intellects, this art, now 

 lost, of exciting genius, of dragging it from its habitual 

 indolence, will always occupy a large place in the annals 

 of the Committee of Public Safety, and in the history of 

 our colleague's life. Without departing, moreover, from 

 the subject that now occupies us, we might still register 

 many other services. 



Carnot was one of that very small number of men 

 who, in 1793, firmly believed that the Republic would 

 sooner or later triumph over its innumerable enemies. 

 Thus, although he gave to the present as large a portion 

 of attention as circumstances demanded, yet having an 

 eye to the future in his administration, he enriched France 

 with many great institutions, the happy effects of which 

 can only be slowly developed. 



If time allowed me, I should have to cite amongst the 

 great establishments towards the formation of which 

 Carnot contributed, the first Normal School, the Poly- 

 technic School, the Museum of Natural History, the 

 Conservatory of Arts and Trades ; and amongst the 

 labours that he encouraged by his suffrage, was the 

 measurement of the earth, the establishment of the new 

 system of weights and measures, and the great, the 

 incomparable statistic tables. 



These are noble titles, Gentlemen, for an era of de- 

 struction. 



The Convention put into the hands of Carnot the 

 colossal, but incoherent mass of the requisition. It was 

 requisite to organize it, to discipline it, to instruct it ; 

 Carnot produced from it fourteen armies. It was also 



