65 
of Edinhw'gh, Session 1862 - 63 . 
and precision, in his Begne Mineraf ramene aux Metliodes d' Histoire 
Naturelle (Paris, 1835, 2 vols.), to which I have already referred. 
It is evidently a work conducted with the most patient and consci- 
entious labour. The elaborate tabular views illustrating the system 
of classification by the totality of the properties on which it is 
founded, have probably never been exceeded in clearness of detail. 
I do not feel entitled to give an opinion as to the success with 
which Necker applied his principles to the reform of mineralogical 
classification. But it is admitted by competent judges that he laid 
down those principles with great success, and in a highly philosophic 
manner. Dr Whewell in his Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, 
has devoted almost a whole chapter^ to an analysis of Necker’s 
work, to which he gives high commendation. Professor W. H. 
Miller, of Cambridge, probably our highest English authority on 
mineralogy, has expressed to me his approbation both of Necker’s 
paper in the Philosophical Journal, and of his larger work. “ They 
indicate,” he says, “ on the part of the author, a most philosophic 
mind. His criticisms on preceding classifications are very just.” 
I think that the labour — both mental and mechanical — of writing 
and editing this elaborate treatise, so full of minute details, and of 
discussions (at least in the introduction) of almost metaphysical 
subtlety, was perhaps greater than the author’s then enfeebled health 
could well support. Necker was never afterwards quite the same 
man as before. His nervousness increased painfully, accompanied 
by fits of absence, and excessive love of seclusion. He considered, 
probably with justice, that the rigorous winters of G-eneva aggra- 
vated his sufferings, and returning to Scotland, he passed the winter 
of 1836-7 in Edinburgh. In the summer of 1837 he returned to 
Switzerland, and made probably his last journey of any length in 
the Alps. He crossed the Col of Mont Cervin, studying carefully 
the geology of that wonderful country, and also the southern portion 
of the mountains separating Grindelwald from the Valais. In 
1838 we find him again in Edinburgh, preparing to pass the 
winter, which he did at Portobello, near Edinburgh, and close to 
the seaside, where he hired a small house, and lived in almost com- 
plete seclusion. I visited him occasionally; but any society was 
oppressive to him. His windows looked right out upon the sea, 
Philos. Ind. Sci., hook viii. chap. 3. Edit. 1840, vol. i, pp. 600-516. 
