"I am infinitely delighted," he wrote
to James Watt, "with observing the growth of its little soul, and
particularly with its numberless instincts, which formerly passed
unheeded. I thank the French theorists for more forcibly
directing my attention to the finger of God, which I discern in
every awkward movement and every wayward whim. They are all
guardians of his life and growth and power. I regret indeed
that I have not time to make infancy and the development of
its powers my sole study."
One of the sorest trials of a man's temper and patience was that
which befell Abauzit, the natural philosopher, while residing at
Geneva; resembling in many respects a similar calamity which
occurred to Newton, and which he bore with equal resignation.
Amongst other things, Abauzit devoted much study to the barometer
and its variations, with the object of deducing the general laws
which regulated atmospheric pressure. During twenty-seven years
he made numerous observations daily, recording them on sheets
prepared for the purpose. One day, when a new servant was
installed in the house, she immediately proceeded to display her
zeal by "putting things to-rights." Abauzit's study, amongst
other rooms, was made tidy and set in order. When he entered it,
he asked of the servant, "What have you done with the paper that
was round the barometer?" "Oh, sir," was the reply, "it was so
dirty that I burnt it, and put in its place this paper, which you
will see is quite new.
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