400 Correspondence of J, Nickles. 
But space would fail us to speak particularly of all the works published 
by Mr. Despretz, even in the last years of his life, We have before’ spoken 
of some of these, especially of his researches upon the nature of sim- 
ple bodies (1859), which occasioned a discussion on the part of Mr. 
Dumas, so interesting and at the same time so profitable to science. We 
have also spoken of that interesting memoir in which, under the 
modest title, “ Observations upon charcoal,” he shows the possibility of 
ds 
of the pile;” “upon the chemical work of the pile;” “upon the la 
of currents ;” “upon the tangents-compass ;” “upon the constancy of 
the pile;” etc. 
But let us look at the principal results of these researches,—results 
which have taken their place in science, and which it is well to call to 
mind, now that the grave has forever closed over the humble and vener- 
le savant who was their author. 
Mr. Despretz has furnished experimental demonstration,—Ist of the 
decrease of the compressibilites of liquids with the pressure; 2d, of the 
of heat disengaged, whatever the pressure may be, in the phenomena of 
artificial production of microscopic diamonds by the electric current, 
whether wet or dry. 
are some of the discoveries which belong solely to this zealous 
pe ag 
espretz did not believe in grand theories, and never founded a school. 
His genius consisted in patience for every investigation. By persevering 
labor and a strong will, he attained to that superiority which others owe 
to natural talent. 
His manner of life was very austere ; he always wore clothes of sombre 
often mi riest, and which he — 
