48 CARNOT. 
the north, the west, as if it were seated in the midst of 
the combatants. 
These somewhat spontaneous creations, these patriotic 
directions given to so many noble intellects, this art, now 
lost, of exciting genius, of dragging it from its habitual 
indolence, will always occupy a large place in the annals 
of the Committee of Public Safety, and in the history of 
our colleague’s life. Without departing, moreover, from 
the subject that now occupies us, we might still register 
many other services. 
Carnot was one of that very small number of men 
who, in 1793, firmly believed that the Republic would 
sooner or later triumph over its innumerable enemies. 
Thus, although he gave to the present as large a portion 
of attention as circumstances demanded, yet having an 
eye to the future in his administration, he enriched France 
with many great institutions, the happy effects of which 
can only be slowly developed. 
If time allowed me, I should have to cite amongst the 
great establishments towards the formation of which 
Carnot contributed, the first Normal School, the Poly- 
technic School, the Museum of Natural History, the 
Conservatory of Arts and Trades; and amongst the 
labours that he encouraged by his suffrage, was the 
measurement of the earth, the establishment of the new 
system of weights and measures, and the great, the 
incomparable statistic tables. 
These are noble titles, Gentlemen, for an era of de- — 
struction. 
The Convention put into the hands of Carnot the 
colossal, but incoherent mass of the requisition. It was 
requisite to organize it, to discipline it, to instruct it; 
Carnot produced from it fourteen armies. It was also 
