316 MEMOIRS OF 



intellect, and I dare not call the death of M. 

 Cuvier premature, when I think that by so doing 

 I should question the decrees of" that Providence 

 to whom we owe the very existence of him 

 whom we deplore, by whom that life was lent to 

 us to increase our sense of his wisdom, and to 

 enlighten us by its example. 



M. Cuvier had sought forgetfulness of the 

 storms that were passing without the walls of 

 his peaceful abode, in a greater devotion than 

 ever to his home pursuits ; that is, he gave up 

 his evening visits, and the few relaxations he had 

 permitted himself to enjoy. The cholera raged 

 around him, and he saw those fall who were 

 younger and apparently stronger than himself; 

 those whom he loved, and those whose services 

 were essential to the state. Public disturbances 

 filled the streets of Paris, while pestilence stalked 

 through the multitude in every direction. Se- 

 cluding himselfi then, entirely from society, ex- 

 cept that of his family ; after going through the 

 daily routine of his public duties, he returned to 

 his labours with an intenseness, which, added to 

 his share of the pervading gloom, was calculated 

 to injure the springs of life. No one, however, 

 could foresee its effects on his constitution ; 

 and he himself said, " that he had never worked 



