Life of Count Rumford. 637 



instructive address on the life and works of Count 

 Rumford. In it he gave a comprehensive sketch of 

 the steady progress and the permanent acquisitions of 

 philosophy, and illustrated its uniform and constant 

 influence in ameliorating the condition and promoting 

 the happiness of mankind. The love of distinction, 

 says the Professor, may prompt, but only philanthropy 

 and patriotism can inspire and guide, those who give 

 themselves to the arduous and exacting service of sci- 

 ence and philosophy. This is a fitting introduction to 

 a concise and animated exhibition of the career of 

 Benjamin Thompson, from his humble origin and his 

 frugal surroundings, through the devoted labors of his 

 life and his benevolent efforts and schemes, to the 

 splendid distinctions which he reached through his own 

 industry, skill, and genius. 



I must quote the concluding paragraph of the Pro- 

 fessor's address : 



" To the country of his birth Count Rumford has bequeathed 

 his fortune and his fame. The lessons of patriotism which we 

 [officers' and students of the College] shpuld learn from his 

 memorable life are important and convincing. It should teach 

 us to respect ourselves, to value our resources, to cultivate our 

 talents. Let those who would depreciate our native genius 

 recollect that he was an American. Let those who would 

 make us the dependants and tributaries of the Old World 

 recollect that he has instructed mankind. Let those who would 

 despond as to our future destinies remember that his eye, which 

 had wandered over the continent and capitals of Europe, settled 

 at last upon the rising prospects of this Western world. For 

 one who is destined to labor in the path that he has marked out, 

 and to follow with his eyes, though not with his steps, the 

 brilliancy of such a career, it may suffice to acknowledge that 

 he is not indifferent to the honor that has befallen him ; that he 



