304 LAPLACE. 
de Mécanique Céleste, the Exposition du Systéme du 
Monde, and the Théorie Analytique des Probabilités. 
In the present day (1842) there is no longer to be found 
a single copy of this last work at any bookseller’s estab- 
lishment in Paris. The edition of the Mécanique Oé- 
leste itself will soon be exhausted. It was painful then 
to reflect that the time was close at hand when persons 
engaged in the study of the higher mathematics would be 
compelled, for want of the original work, to inquire at 
Philadelphia, at New York, or at Boston for the English 
translation of the chef d’euvre of our countryman by 
the excellent geometer Bowditch. These fears, let, us 
hasten to state, were not well founded. To republish the 
Mécanique Céleste was, on the part of the family of the 
illustrious geometer, to perform a pious duty. Accord- 
ingly, Madame de Laplace, who is so justly, so pro- 
foundly attentive to every circumstance calculated to 
enhance the renown of the name which she bears, did 
not hesitate about pecuniary considerations. A small 
property near Pont l’Evéque was about to change hands, 
and the proceeds were to have been applied so that 
Frenchmen should not be deprived of the satisfaction of 
exploring the treasures of the Mécanique Céleste through 
the medium pf the vernacular tongue. 
“'The republication of the complete works of Laplace 
rested upon an equally sure guarantee. Yielding at once 
to filial affection, to a noble feeling of patriotism, and to 
the enthusiasm for brilliant discoveries which a course of 
severe study inspired, General Laplace had long since 
qualified himself for becoming the editor of the seven 
volumes which are destined to immortalize his father. 
“'There are glorious achievements of a character too 
elevated, of a lustre too splendid, that they should con- 
