176 Humboldt's Letters. 



leave for Berlin, and I cannot resist charging him with 

 a letter to you, dear Count, expressive of my thanks for 

 the recommendations whereby you have enriched Tus- 

 cany with several illustrious men. 



You (the father and patron of natural science) knew 

 Mr. Parlatore, and your good opinion was sufficient to 

 secure him the appointment at Florence, where he is 

 now the Botanic Director of the Museum, and President 

 of the Botanic Central Institute, which owes its existence 

 to him. 



Another professor of physics was recommended by 

 you, Professor Matteucci. He is a true investigator of 

 nature. Not only leading science, he constructs instru- 

 ments for its interrogation, and is on the road to import- 

 ant discoveries. He is now on a little excursion to 

 recuperate his strength after his too fatiguing labors. 

 I do not know that he will be fortunate enough to meet 

 you, for whom he feels so much veneration and grati- 

 tude. Our University of Pisa has brought together all 

 that is distinguished in physical science and the fruits 

 are maturing. 



At Florence the practical studies in the grand hospital 

 contribute greatly towards keeping medicine and sur- 

 gery in the legitimate direction of natural science, sup- 

 ported by observation and experience. The congress 

 of the " Amateurs of Science in Italy" will also produce 

 desirable results. Such meetings, politically inoffensive 



