146 Humboldt's Letters. 



to direct it under your seal to the ambassador, General 

 von Canitz. I shall have the box opened at the obser- 

 vatory in the presence of Professor Enke, and charge 

 him, as is usual in such cases, to make a report for the 

 private cabinet. Although the word " ingenious" cannot 

 be applied to instruments the construction of which is not 

 strictly original, I will nevertheless try to obtain, through 

 my representations, a small dose of "the universal 

 panacea." 



In deepest devotion, I remain 



Your Royal Highness's 



most humble servant, 



A. V. HUMBOLDT. 



76. 



MONDAY, Jan. 1st, 1844, 



I AM in haste to tell you, as the Potsdam train is 

 about starting, dear friend, in spite of your incognito, that 

 the King, previous to the soap bubbling, lead melting, 

 and to the angelic chorus in the cathedral, and the en- 

 trance of the watchman,* received and enjoyed very 



* The usual festivities in family circles on New Tear's night in Ger- 

 many. Tr. 



