S6 A JUVENILE PRODIGY.

presented him with a microscope, and said, “ As
you have been hitherto such an adept in studying
the works of men, it is time you should now study
those of nature.” Probably these early instruc-
tions and successes influenced his subsequent
career. He says, at the commencement of lus
Travels :—‘‘ Having in my very early days felt a
particular liking to the study of philosophy and
natura: history, I found my inclinations averse
from the profession for which my parents designed
me, which was that of the Church; and therefore
I resigned a benefice, with which I had been
already provided, that I might be entirely at
liberty to pursue the study of natural philosophy.
The branch I first took up with was that of botany,
which I considered ag one of the most engaging
studies, not only from its considerable use in life,
but from its agreeable variety. The opportunity I
had of attending the lectures of MM. de Jussieu
at the King’s garden led me thither very often;
and the strong passion I felt for that science, to-
gether with my constant application, soon made me
known to those masters, especially M. Bernard de
Jussieu, who took notice of me, and by degrees
led me on to the study of every branch of natural
history. After having gone through a course of
instruction for upwards of six ycars, under the
direction of the most celebrated acadcinicians, I