BARON CUVIER. 47 



the month of May, and leave of absence signed 

 by the hand of Charles X., they at once received 

 the details of the Revolution, and of the restor- 

 ation to peace. The power of asking leave of 

 absence, under such an accumulation of duties 

 as M. Cuvier's, was so rare, his time was so pre- 

 cious to himselfi and the assurances of perfect 

 tranquillity in Paris, combined with the safety of 

 those whom they loved, were so decided, that 

 he and Mademoiselle Duvaucel determined on 

 proceeding to England. Instead, however, of 

 making a stay of six weeks, as they had at first 

 intended, they returned in a fortnight ; and to 

 the happiness of those around him, M. Cuvier 

 found himself, even under the government of 

 the citizen king, in possession of all his honours, 

 his dignities, and his important functions. 



In 1832 Baron Cuvier was made, by order of 

 Louis-Philippe, a peer of France, and the ap- 

 pointment of President to the entire Council of 

 State only waited for the royal signature, when, 

 on the 13th of May, of the same date, the noble 

 being closed his earthly career. 



