iii 



was in the habit of inviting and entertaining with such true kindness 

 and hospitality. His brethren of the Institut, as well as the nume- 

 rous other French and foreign savants, whom he liked so much to 

 collect around him, will not easily forget the cordial and sympathetic 

 reception which they always met with in his hospitable salon, whether 

 in Paris or in his country quarters at Sevres. 



Chasles was an active member of the Council of the Societe des 

 Amis de France, and it is well known how diligently and conscien- 

 tiously he always laboured in finding worthy objects for the charity of 

 this institution, and how generously he frequently supplemented its 

 work by donations from his own purse when the funds of the society 

 did not suffice for its wants. 



Fifteen years before his death, when the pupils of the Ecole Poly- 

 technique first conceived the idea of founding the Societe Amicale, 

 they perceived how important it was, in order to succeed in such an 

 undertaking, that they should place it under the guidance of a man 

 beloved and respected by all, and Chasles was requested to act as 

 president. In spite of his already advanced age, and the necessity he 

 might have urged of repose after his long labours, he accepted the 

 post, and it is well known how zealously he devoted himself to the 

 interests of the society, of which he must always be considered the 

 real founder. 



His death took place on the 18th of December, 1880. 



