42 SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS 



certainly never surpassed, lie did not rest in 

 his latter days from the labours of his very 

 eventful life; the latter years belong to the 

 great impulse he gave to the mathematical 

 investigation of the laws of the earth-magne- 

 tism, for which he had prepared the way, by 

 his former observations regarding the oscil- 

 lations of the magnet-needle. In order further 

 to illuminate this but dark territory, he encou- 

 raged, by his name, his influential position, and 

 his scientific counsel, the learned men of all 

 nations to an united effort in search of the laws 

 of the earth-magnetism, and to indicate the 

 changes of physical instruments hitherto used in 

 the service of meteorology ; and he originated, in 

 furtherance of the physical sciences in general, 

 the erection of numerous one corresponding^ 

 with the other magnetic observatories, which 

 now, like a great network, are spread over all 

 parts of the earth ; and in the desert of Siberia, 

 and in Pekin, formerly closed to all science, 

 these observatories may be found. His fame and 

 influence became so great, that when Russia 

 and England had made great sacrifices, in fur- 

 therance of science, and the accomplishment of 

 Humboldt's plans, not only the Pasha of Egypt, 

 but also an Indian prince, offered to increase 

 the number of these magnetic observatories, 



