mas, already
so largely paid, would be protected, whereas Thierry, who sacrificed his
sight to the gratification of his thirst for knowledge, would not.
Humboldt, the philosopher _par excellence_ of the age, would not, because
he furnishes his readers with things, and not with words alone. Of the
books that record his observations on this continent, but a part has, I
believe, been translated into English, and of these but a small portion
has been republished in this country, although to be had without claim for
copyright. In England their sale has been small, and can have done little
more than pay the cost of translation and publication. Had it been
required to pay for the privilege of translation, but a small part of
even those which have been republished would probably have ever seen the
light in any but the language of the author. This great man inherited a
handsome property which he devoted to the advancement of science, and what
has been his pecuniary reward may be seen in the following statement,
derived from an address recently delivered in New York:--

"There are now living in Europe two very distinguished men, barons, both
very eminent in their line, both known to the whole civilized world; one
is Baron Rothschild, and the other Baron Humboldt; one distinguished for
the accumulation of wealth, the other for the accumulation of knowledge.
What are the possessions of the philosopher? Why, sir, I heard a gentleman
whom I have seen here this afternoon, say that, on a recent visit to
Europe, he paid his respects to that distinguished philosopher, and was
admitted to an audience. He found him, at the age of 84 years, fresh and
vigorous, in a small room, nicely sanded, with a large deal table
uncovered in the midst of that room, containing his books and writing
apparatus. Adjoining this, was a small bed-room, in which he slept. Here
this eminent philosopher received a visitor from the United States. He
conversed with him; he spoke of his works. 'My works,' said he, 'you will
find in the adjoining library, but I am too poor to own a copy of them. I
have not the means to buy a full copy of my own works.'"

After having furnished to the gentlemen who produce books more of the
material of which books are composed than has ever been furnished by any
other man, this illustrious man finds himself, at the close of life,
altogether dependent on the bounty of the Prussian government, which
allows him, as I have heard, less than