BARON CUVIER. 237 



could effect, and the evil he might avert, under 

 every change of ministry M. Cuvier was to be 

 found, not only defending the institutions which 

 were in danger of being overthrown, but in the 

 Chambers and in the Council, generally success- 

 ful in preventing those alterations which would 

 have reduced the objects of his unremitting cares 

 to a state of feebleness. Under the ministry of 



M. , a proposal was made to introduce the 



Jesuits into the University, or, in fact, to deliver 

 it into their hands, and M. Cuvier*s firm and 

 spirited resistance alone prevented this measure, 

 which, in all probability, would have caused its 

 destruction. His refusal to form a part of the 

 commission for the censorship of the press, at a 

 moment when, from the despotic nature of the 

 government, this refusal might have been fol- 

 lowed by the most grievous consequences to 

 himself, yet more forcibly proves that he was 

 not the man to preserve his places at the price 

 of his reputation. As this occurrence has been 

 much misrepresented, I shall relate all the cir- 

 cumstances which attended it. In M. Cuvier*s 

 capacity of Counsellor of State, he had been one 

 of the first most vigorously to oppose the censor- 

 ship, and fearlessly maintained his opinion, both 

 in full Council and in the Chamber of Deputies ; 



