RISE OF COMPARATIVE ANATOMY 153 
his wide recognition passing by a gradation of steps from the 
position of head of the educational system, to that of baron 
and peer of France. 
Cuvier was a man of commanding power and colosal 
Fic. 42.—CUVIER AT THE ZENITH OF His Power. 
attainments; he was a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte, who 
elevated him to office and made him director of the higher 
educational institutions of the Empire. But to whatever 
place of prominence he attained in the government, he never 
