7/18 It is a cause of mourning to science and to humanity. I have had the honor of writing to that great man several times in my life, and he once deigned to reply, in a letter which I piously cherish. If you happen to have an opportunity to buy some personal souvenir of him, a bit of his handwriting or some fragment of his collections, you will bring me a real pleasure." A month after the departure of this letter, the son so eagerly looked for returned to the paternal mansion. Renault, who went to meet him at the depot, found him taller, stouter, and better-looking in every way. |