BARON CUVIER. 133 



which I have just been describing, only infinitely 

 greater in extent, inasmuch as it embraces a 

 larger portion of time, and extends to those who 

 were not in the habit of communicating with 

 the Institute. 



Najioleon had conceived the bold thought of 

 embracing, at one view, all tliat the general im- 

 pulse towards learning and science had pro- 

 duced since the above period ; and it may be 

 unhesitatingly affirmed, that the execution of 

 his wishes accorded with the elevated feelings 

 from which they sprang. It commences with 

 one of those introductions which always rank 

 among the highest efforts of M. Cuvier's genius ; 

 in which he sets before us, — if I may be allowed 

 so to express myself, — the sublimity of science ; 

 and is throughout remarkable for the extensive 

 views it takes, and its unflinching impartiality. 

 The following beautiful passage is among the 

 concluding pages, which pages contain a solicit- 

 ation for amendments and continued protection 

 on the part of the Emperor : — " To lead the 

 mind of man to its noble destination, — a know- 

 ledge of the truth, — to spread sound and whole- 

 some ideas among the lowest classes of the 

 people, to draw human beings from the empire 

 of prejudices and passions, to make reason the 



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