264 MEMOIRS OF 



them known, because I have ascertained that 

 they were false, as are all those which have 

 been published up to this day. I affirm still 

 more ; for I say, that, in the present state of sci- 

 ence, it is impossible to discover any, and that is 

 why I continue to observe, and why I openly 

 proclaim my observations. This alone can lead 

 an author to the discovery of that fact on which 

 he can build a true and general theory. . . .This 

 fact," added he, "is perhaps of little importance 

 in itself; but, with regard to theory, it will be- 

 come the principal fact, the keystone to the arch. 

 Therefore it must be sought, science must march ; 

 but we must take care that she does not march 

 in a retrograde direction, as she has sometimes 

 done, and as some naturalists lead her at present. 

 We ought to labour, not with the object of sup- 

 porting a theory, — because, then, the mind being 

 pre-occupied, will only perceive that which fa- 

 vours its own views, — but with the object of dis- 

 covering the truth ; because the truth will be 

 deduced from true theories, and true philoso- 

 phical principles ; the truth being, in itself alone, 

 the whole of philosophy." * 



It seems that both the French and the Ger- 

 mans claim M. Cuvier as their countryman ; and 

 * M. Laurillard. 



