31 



langue est le Mongol. What a Timour-like pro- 

 clamation that of the armee civilisatrice !* 



My brother's Essay is, as regards language, one of 

 the most finished of his productions. " Grod governs 

 the world. The problem of history is to trace out 

 these eternally secret decrees " (p. 317). That is, after 

 all, the result ; and as to this result I have at times, 

 I will not say quarrelled, but had discussions with 

 my brother. It is a result which at any rate falls in 

 with the oldest sentiment of all, and one which has 

 found utterance in every human tongue. My brother's 

 treatise is a commentary on this vague feeling, de- 

 veloping, interpreting, and eulogising it. In the 

 same way the physiologist assumes so-called vital 

 powers, in order to explain organic phenomena, because 

 his knowledge of the physical powers, which operate 

 on so-called inanimate nature, are insufficient to ex- 

 plain this play of living organisations. Does that 

 prove vital powers to exist ? I know you will be 

 angry with me, because you opine that the leading 

 idea of this glorious treatise does not give me entire 

 satisfaction. *> 



XXVIII. 



HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. 



Wednesday, 17th May, 1837. 



You have prepared me a great treat, my much- 

 honoured friend. I hope these " Observations on the 

 Art of Historical Writing " will one day be added to 

 a new part of your excellent minor works. The brain 

 grows dizzy as one watches the profusion in which 



* The proclamation by which Marshal Bugcaud initiated his command in 

 Algiers. TR. 



