INTRODUCTION. 5 



the grave, as a basis for a more extended publication, I offer 

 a narrative of facts. 



Having thus, I trust, obviated every feeling of disgust 

 which accompanies all kinds of presumption, and which 

 would, most probably be attached to me, were I to dare to 

 think myself qualified for a biographer of savants, there yet 

 remains something for me to say to those to whom I am 

 unknown ; for, when an individual starts from a private 

 circle to give an account of an illustrious public character, it 

 becomes necessary to vouch for the veracity of details, and to 

 explain the opportunities afforded for observation. This 

 will be best done by a short history of my intercourse witli 

 the Cuvier family, an introduction to whom took place 

 through our mutually cherished friend, Dr. Leach, of the 

 British Museum. 



Mr. Bovvdich had returned from his second, and I from 

 my first, voyage to Africa, in the year 1818, and shortly 

 after Mr. Bowdich proceeded to Paris, where his reputation, 

 as the successful African traveller, was already known. 

 The letter of Dr. Leach was scarcely necessary with the 

 Baron Cuvier, who received him with that warmth and 

 encouragement which always marked his conduct towards 

 men of talents younger than himself, that interest which 

 he extended to all who were devoted to science. Struck 

 with the facilities afforded for st\idy in the French capital, 

 Mr. Bowdich determined to remain there some time, in 

 order to qualify himself for the principal object of his ambi- 

 tion, a second travel in Africa. We both accordingh^ went 

 to Ptiris in 1819 ; and from that moment the vast library 

 of the Baron Cuvier, his drawings, his collections, were 

 open to our purposes. We became the intimates of the 

 family, with w^hom, for nearly four years, we were in daily 

 intercourse. We left France with their blessings : and on 

 returning alone to Europe, I was received even as a daugh- 

 ter. My correspondence with M. Cuvier's daughter-in-law, 

 and other branches of the family, has been uninterrupted 

 since that period ; I have paid them repeated visits at their 

 own house ; and for fourteen years not a single shadow has 

 passed over the warm affection which has characterised our 

 intimacy. 



And now, having stated my motives, and my claims to 



A* 



