4 LIFE AND WRITINGS OF BECLARD. 



already rich in. scientific lore, if not very extensive, at least 

 very positive. 



During the first years of his medical studies, he devoted 

 himself to the study of the Latin language and philosophy, 

 which the clergyman attached to the hospital taught him, and 

 who delighted to instruct a young man already so rich in 

 knowledge. He cultivated at the same time Botany; he ob- 

 tained several premiums on subjects of natural history, and by 

 his zeal, ardour, and success, from this time, gave hopes of a 

 brilliant career. Beclard, during his residence in the hospital 

 of Angers, left to his successors a noble example of emulation 

 which will be long remembered. 



At this time Bichat had reached the middle course of his 

 career, and filled the learned world with his glory and his 

 name. In the many conversations young Beclard had with 

 his relations, he often remarked how happy he should be if he 

 were one day able to cope with the Father of General Anato- 

 my and become his equal. Bichat was his idol; he was anxious 

 to render homage to his genius and be considered one of his 

 followers. Unfortunately for Beclard, Bichat died before he 

 was able to attend his lectures, for it was not until 1808, that 

 he went to Paris; but he had carefully transcribed notes taken 

 at the last course of this celebrated anatomist.* 



In 1808, Beclard was distinguished in the first rank of the 

 pupils of the Practical School or clinical courses, and of the 

 hospital of Paris. In 1809, premiums were conferred on him 

 by the medical school, on subjects of anatomy, physiology, 

 medical natural history, chemistry, and physicks. He was 

 soon after appointed resident physician (eleve interne,) to va- 

 rious hospitals. He again, 1810, received premiums on anato- 

 my, physiology, medicine and surgery; and Mr. Roux select- 

 ed him for the honourable office of preparing and repeating 

 lectures at the hospital of La Charite. 



Hitherto, Beclard was only known to his rivals in fame, 

 and to his friends; and all his merit only consisted in a vast 



* This passage alludes particularly to the work of Bichat on Pathological 

 Anatomy, which was published from an authographic MS. of Bdclard, and 

 which are the only authentic notes we possess of Bichat's last course. 



TRANS. 



