72 SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS 



compelled to evacuate the south of Germany, 

 in consequence of the victories of the Archduke 

 Charles, the bold tactics of Bonaparte had 

 gained many important points the possession 

 of the Adriatic provinces, and other victories 

 in Italy and forced the Austrian Government 

 to negociations, which, though considerably pro- 

 longed, effected no change in the fate of Italy. 



In the spring of the year 1798, Alexander 

 von Humboldt arrived in Paris, at the house of 

 his brother Wilhelm, whose residence was the 

 point de ralliement of all the higher educated 

 Germans. Here he was informed of an intended 

 expedition, originated by the National Museum, 

 under Captain Baudin, in order to explore the 

 Southern hemisphere. His desire of visiting 

 unknown countries urged him to offer himself 

 as a companion, even if compelled to defray 

 his own expenses. Two naturalists had been 

 already engaged to accompany this expedition 

 in the interest of science MM. Michaux and 

 Bonpland. Humboldt' s first object was to seek 

 at once the acquaintance of these men. In the 

 latter Aime Bonpland he found a congenial 

 friend. He was a young man, and one of the 

 most distinguished pupils of the Medical School 

 and the Botanical Gardens of Paris. The offer 

 of Humboldt to accompany this expedition was 



