2 Biography of Berzelius. 
with marvellous penetration where to direct their investigations, 
and frequently, by discovering a few apparently very simple 
facts, clear up our views in a surprising manner, overthrow long- 
established prejudices, and advance science with gigantic strides. 
It is rarely that men of the latter kind follow up and complete 
their scientific conquests. They generally content themselves 
with having shewn, by their discoveries, in what direction the 
study of details is to be pursued, and, after having pointed out 
the course and the method of filling up the gaps, resign the exe- 
cution of the work to others. — 
h aman was Humphry Davy. There are none who will 
not acknowledge that at the commencement of this century, 
found united in one man in so high a degree of perfection as they 
were in him. In this respect, and in chemical science at least 
he has been exceeded by none. 
Since the death of Berzelius several biographies of him have 
appeared, especially in Sweden. All tell how in his childhood 
and youth, he had to struggle with care and poverty,—how he 
ut in an academic eulogium, it is before all things appropriate 
to point out the scientific merits of the deceased, to shew how 
