24 MEMOIRS OF 



lost in 1793. From the moment of his instal- 

 lation in this new office, M. Cuvier commenced 

 that magnificent collection of comparative ana- 

 tomy which is now so generally celebrated. In 

 the lumber-room of the museum were four or 

 five old skeletons, collected by M. Daubenton, 

 and piled up there by M. de JBuffon. Taking 

 these, as it were, for the foundation, he unceas- 

 ingly pursued his object; and, aided by some 

 professors, opposed by others, he soon gave it 

 such a degree of importance that no further 

 obstacle could be raised against its progress. 

 No other pursuit, no relaxation, no absence, no 

 legislative duties, no sorrow, no illness, ever 

 turned him from this great purpose, and created 

 by liim, it now remains one of the noblest monu- 

 ments to his memory.* 



The National Institute was created in 1796; 

 and M. Cuvier, although only known by his 

 scientific papers, and his intimacy with learned 

 men, especially De la C6p6de and Daubenton, 

 was made one of its first members, and was the 



* It was of this collection that he said, when asked if he 

 should ever consider himself rich in it, " Quelque riche qu'on 

 en soil, on en desire toujours." (However rich we may be, 

 we always wish for more.) 



