56 
MEMOIR OF LINNjEUS. 
himself. And it was in this same year that he 
received the first fatal warning that the termina- 
tion of his earthly career was near at hand. While 
he gave a summer lecture in the botanical garden, he 
had an apoplectic stroke, and fell into a swoon, from 
which he did not for a long time recover. From this 
period he declined gradually, and he felt his own 
weakness. Pennant had written to him to fulfil his 
promise of writing the natural history of Lapland, but 
he answered, “ that it would now be too late for him 
to begin.” * 
“ Me quoque debilitat series immensa laborum, 
Ante meum texnpus cogor ct esse Senex. ” 
His activity and public duties continued unabated 
at intervals till 1776, two years before his death, 
when he suffered a second shock, which had an effect 
upon his speech, though he still retained a part of his 
wonted cheerfulness. He was carried to his museum, 
where he viewed with delight the treasures he had 
collected together from all parts of the world, and 
showed additional vigour upon seeing any new or rare 
production, which the attention of his friends still 
furnished to him. Towards the end of this year he 
suffered a third and fatal blow. His right side be- 
came completely dead. It was necessary to lead, 
support, dress, and feed him. His mental faculties 
* Nunc uimis scro inceperim. 
