CHAPTER XIII 

 EDUCATION AND THE RIVIERA (1772-81) 



IN the last chapter we have seen how de Saussure, through his 

 correspondence with Haller, was called on to follow and take an 

 interest in the political troubles of Geneva in 1767-8. 



On his return from the Grand Tour in January 1769 he found 

 the internal situation relatively tranquil. Geneva was about to 

 enjoy some thirteen years of material prosperity and social 

 brilliance. The young Professor's time was amply occupied. 

 He held the double Chair of Physics and Metaphysics, which en- 

 tailed lecturing frequently either in French or Latin during many 

 months of the year. He was actively engaged in research in 

 several branches of physical science. Besides these more serious 

 occupations, he was, as the master of the finest house in Geneva, 

 and of a country place on the lake shore, called on to play a leading 

 part in the society of the Upper Town. When it is added that 

 after 1770 he became subject to attacks of a violent form of 

 indigestion, and that his health gave cause for serious anxiety, it 

 will be clear that no apology is needed for his resolve to keep clear 

 of politics, and his consequent refusal of a seat on the Great 

 Council ; he had other work in hand. 



The part played by de Saussure as a pioneer of educational 

 reform, though his efforts failed to produce any good effect at 

 the time, was a remarkable one, and deserves far more attention 

 than it has hitherto received. The shape in which his suggestions 

 were put forward has been in part accountable for their neglect. 

 Had he, in place of drawing up a scheme for the public school of 

 his own city, embodied them in a treatise or volume addressed to 

 the European public, they would not have been overlooked in the 

 subsequent literature of the subject. Popular education held a 

 place, beside the mountains and geology, as one of the chief and 

 most constant interests in de Saussure's life. The warmth, both 



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