Page:Hamel Telegraph history England 1859.pdf/38

34 return to Munich, in 1815, communicated to Soemmerring the little book: " Manuel du Galvanisme," by Joseph Izarn, Professor of natural philosophy at the Lycee Bonaparte, which had been printed in Paris in 1805, and in which, on page 120, in § ix., mention is made of Romagnosi's discovery. I have also seen a note from Soemmerring, mentioning that he had read this treatise with attention. I came, however, to the conclusion that neither to Soemmerring, nor to Baron Schilling, had any idea of a practical application of Romagnosi's observation presented itself, particularly as no rapid motion of the needle had been pointed out.

In the autumn of 1820, Soemmerring bad decided to leave Munich for good, and to reside the rest of his life in his favourite place, Frankfort; he went there on the 13th October.

Letters show that the cordial friendship between him and Baron Schilling continued unchanged to the time of his decease, which took place on the 2nd of March, 1830.

When one studies the life and the labours of Soemmerring, it is impossible not to feel the highest esteem for him, as a man and as a philosopher. Not vanity, not eagerness of gain, but pure love of science and the wish to