Page:An Essay on the Age and Antiquity of the Book of Nabathaean Agriculture.djvu/124

108 In the teachings of the College of France, surrounded by so many safeguards, this suppression of speech seems to me particularly out of place. The nomination of the Professors to that institution is made on the presentation of the Professors of the College, met together for the purpose, and on that of the requisite class of the Institute. This double presentation is not an indisputable authority; but it suffices, at least, to show that he who is honoured with it cannot be accused of presumptuous intentions, when he ascends a chair to which he has been appointed by suffrages so empowered.

I was desirous that the form of this first lecture should not mislead the public as to the nature of my teaching. Downwards, from Vatable and Mercier to M. Quatremère, the chair to which I have had the honour to be presented and named, has borne a scientific (technique) and special character. Without fettering in any way my liberty or that of my successor, I should