He was the means of securing for Cuvier, then of his own age, a position in the museum as professor-adjunct of comparative anatomy.

For two years (1795 and 1796) the two youthful savants were inseparable, sharing the same apartments, the same table, the same amusements, the same studies, and their scientific papers were prepared in company and signed in common.
[Illustration: E.GEOFFROY ST.

HILAIRE] Geoffroy became a member of the great scientific commission sent to Egypt by Napoleon (1789-1802).

By his boldness and presence of mind he, with Savigny and the botanist Delille, saved the treasures which at Alexandria had fallen into the hands of the English general in command.
In 1808 he was charged by Napoleon with the duty of organizing public instruction in Portugal.

Here again, by his address and firmness, he saved the collections and exchanges made there from the hands of the English.