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 



