BARON CUVIER. 175 



the great and awful tribunal, what other words, what otiier 

 thoughts than those contained in this lecture, could have 

 so plainly shown the preparation already made for his 

 journey thither ? 



I am told that the profound emotion occasioned by this 

 last discourse was universal, and that few left the hall with- 

 out an undefined feeling of sadness, and sentiments of re- 

 verence, far beyond the power of expression. On the same 

 day, M. Cuvier, as usual, attended a council of administra- 

 tion in the Jardin des Plantes, and bestowed his last cares 

 on that immense establishment, which owes so large a 

 portion of its treasures to his constant and active solicitude, 

 and to his extreme generosity. " By turns protected and 

 protecting, M. Cuvier had there resisted the political vicis- 

 situdes which changed all but the sacred asylum of men 

 and things. It would seem as if a special grace from Pro- 

 vidence had suffered him to remain, during thirty-eight 

 years of revolution, in the same place and with the same 

 occupations. The great mind, the pure intention, the de- 

 voted and disinterested heart, alone are suffered to effect 

 such miracles." 



In the evening of Tuesday, M. Cuvier felt some pain 

 and numbness in his right arm, which was supposed to pro- 

 ceed from rheumatism. On Wednesday, the 9th, he pre- 

 sided over the Committee of the Interior with his wonted 

 activity. At dinner that day, he felt some difficulty in 

 swallowing, and the numbness of his arm increased. 

 Never can the look and the inquiry he directed to his 

 nephew, when he found that bread would not pass down 

 his throat, be forgotten ; nor the self-possession with which 

 he said, as he sent his plate to Madame Cuvier, " Then I 

 must eat more soup," in order to quiet the alarm visible on 

 the countenances of those present. M. Frederic, the 

 younger, sought medical advice ; and an application of 

 leeches w^as made during the night, without producing any 

 melioration. The next day (Thursday) both arms were 

 seized, and the paralysis of the pharynx was complete. 

 He was then bled, but without any benefit, and from that 

 moment he seemed to be perfectly aware of what was to 

 follow. He, with the most perfect calmness, ordered his 

 will to be made ; and in it evinced the tenderest solicitude 



