Life and Writings of Francis Huber. 117 
Art. XIX.—Frangois Huber.—Notice of his Life and Hing: . 
by A. P. De Canpo.ie 
Translated for this Journal by Pror. Griscom, 
Every thing which brings into view the surmounting of a great 
difficulty, is gratifying to the human mind. Those who are the least 
adventurous or inventive, are pleased with the exhibition of examples 
by which the bodily or mental strength of their fellow creatures has 
been enabled to conquer obstacles which appeared to be insuperable ; 
and it isin a feeling of this nature, that all the wonderful tales of an- 
cient times have had their origin. ‘Those who are more accustomed 
to reflection, love to follow such examples into their details, and to 
study the process by which men of genius have succeeded in over- 
coming trials, or turning them to a good account. If such efforts 
are of short duration, they are admired as facts of fleeting occur- 
rence ; but if the obstacle is permanent, and the efforts continue un- 
eeltixied; the admiration which is excited by a momentary burst of 
genius or energy is increased by the more profound si 
results from the contemplation of that sustained force, that 
and immovable patience which is the gift of so small a portion of our 
race. Such examples ought to be preserved for the honor of hu- 
manity, and for the encouragement of those who are inclined to turn 
aside at the prospect of difficulty. It is right to demonstrate, from 
time to time, to young people, that, if patience and resolution, are 
Not, as some have asserted, the only elements of genius, they are at 
least its firmest auxiliaries, its most powerful instruments, and that 
they are faculties so important as to lead, not unfrequently, in the 
search of truth, to the same results as genius itself. ‘These reflec- 
tions, though they may perhaps appear at the first glance, to be some- 
what pretending, will receive support from the history of the meee 
ual to whose memory this notice is devoted. 
Francis Huser was born at Geneva, on the 2d of July, 1750, 
of an honorable family, in which vivacity of mind and imagination 
seemed hereditary. His father, John Huber, had the reputation of 
being one of the most witty men of his day, a trait which was fre- 
quently noticed by Voltaire who valued him for the originality of his 
conversation. He was an agreeable musician, and made verses which. 
were boasted of even in the saloon at Ferney. He was distinguish- 
ed for lively and piquant repartee ; he painted with much facility and 
eat aees 
