LAfe and Writings of Francis Huher. 1 1 7 



Art. XIX. — Frangois Huher. — JVotice of his Life and Writings ; 

 by A. P. De Candolle. 



Translated fofr this Journal by Prof. GrIscom. 



Every thing which brings into view the surmounting of a great 

 difficuhy, 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 is in 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- 

 relaxed, the admiration which is excited by a momentary burst of 

 genius or energy is increased by the more profound sentiment which 

 results from the contemplation of that sustained force, that voluntary 

 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 atid 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 individ- 

 ual to whose memory this notice is devoted. 



Francis Huber 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 



