RISE OF COMPARATIVE ANATOMY 153 



his wide recognition passing by a gradation of steps from the 

 position of head of the educational system, to that of baron 

 and peer of France. 



Cuvier was a man of commanding power and colosal 



FIG. 42. CUVIER AT THE ZENITH OF His POWER. 



attainments ; he was a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte, who 

 elevated him to office and made him director of the higher 

 educational institutions of the Empire. - But to whatever 

 place of prominence he attained in the government, he never 



