BARON CUVIER. 155 



also oil iiny one who should discover efficacious 

 remedies for the diseases which afflict humanity, 

 or diminish the danger to which workmen ai'e 

 exposed in carrying on several of their occupa- 

 tions : he founded a third prize for books, which 

 should instruct the poor in moral conduct and 

 proper deportment ; and, lastly, he instituted 

 that of virtue, exclusively in favour of the poorer 

 classes. This prize is annually bestowed, and 

 awarded by the Academic rran9aise. In 1829 

 M. Cuvier was appointed, at the meeting of St. 

 Louis, to inform the public how the prizes had 

 been bestowed ; and his discourse on the subject 

 forms the volume of which I now speak. 



In his introduction to the history of those 

 who have obtained the prizes, the author says, 

 " Let us first ask the question, What is virtue ? 

 An ancient philosopher answers, * Remarkable 

 and brilliant virtue is that which supports woe 

 and labour, or which exposes itself to danger, in 

 order to be useful to others, and that without 

 expecting or desiring any recompense.' The 

 philosopher has well said that this is rare and 

 brilliant virtue ; perhaps it is even above hu- 

 manity ; but let us observe, that its two prin- 

 cipal characters are, usefulness to others, and 

 perfect disinterestedness. But we will turn from 



