INTRODUCTION. Xlll 



The record of such a life, even in its external aspects, is 

 pregnant with suggestions. It is a magnificent illustration 

 of true success. A combination of the purest and noblest 

 human character with splendid qualities of the mind is un- 

 fortunately rare. Without the former, Humboldt might have 

 achieved the same success in his own personal labors, but 

 he could not have given the same impetus to scientific re- 

 search in all parts of the world. The satisfaction we feel 

 in contemplating his life arises from its completeness. In 

 him the heart was the focus of warmth, whence radiated 

 the light of his intellect. 



The Portrait which accompanies this volume, is copied 

 from a photograph which I obtained from Berlin, and which 

 is a perfect representation of Humboldt, in his eighty-sixth 

 year. 



Bayard Taylor. 



New York, August, 1859. 



