52 LOUIS AGASSIZ 



Neuch&tel was at this time a Prussian 

 principality which had entered into the 

 Swiss Confederation. From the king of 

 of Prussia, through Humboldt as minister, 

 Agassiz more than once received gener- 

 ous assistance and encouragement. The 

 college was not an important one 5 and 

 the chair in natural history had been 

 founded in order that Agassiz might 

 occupy it; so that there was nothing 

 waiting him in the way of material 

 equipment. There was no scientific 

 apparatus, no museum, no proper lect- 

 ure-rooms ; but there was a home pride 

 in Agassiz, and a desire to meet his 

 wishes and to keep him in Neuch&tel, if 

 possible. 



As a professor, his success was immedi- 

 ate. "He had, indeed, now entered 

 upon the occupation Vhich was to be 

 from youth to old age the delight of his 

 life. Teaching was a passion with him, 

 and his power over his pupils might be 

 measured by his own enthusiasm. " His 



