Page:Hans Christian Ørsted - The Soul in Nature - Horner - 1852.djvu/24

Rh itself, but even here he continued to view, with lively interest, the active force of Nature and Reason.

On the 7th of November, 1850, a jubilee was held in honour of the fiftieth anniversary of Oersted's long and eminent services, at the University of Copenhagen. Deputations from the king, from the ministers, from the professors, and the students of the University, from the Polytechnic and Industrial Schools, flocked to him from all parts. Political differences were laid aside, and people of all ranks and opinions united in testifying their respect and affection to the old man, who, though in his seventy-third year, still retained youthful vigour, both in body and mind. The king presented him with new honours, and by the influence of his friends he received from Government a country residence near Copenhagen, which had been formerly inhabited by Ochlenschläger. A torch-light procession, conducted by the students, who sang verses in his honour, concluded the festivities of this day, which had throughout been of the most gratifying nature, for, by the description of an eye-witness, they were evidently prompted by the hearts of those who assisted in them. Winter passed, and Professor Oersted, ever active in mind and body, pursued his customary avocations of lectures and literary occupations, till the beginning of March, 1851, when he was attacked by cold, from which at first no serious apprehensions were entertained by himself or by his family. In a few days, however, inflammation in the chest ensued; he suffered little or no pain, but his strength rapidly declined, and on the 9th of March, scarcely a week from the commencement of his illness, he expired, surrounded by his afflicted family, and deeply regretted by the whole city of Copenhagen. His fellow-citizens, who a few months before had joined in expressing their gratitude for his long services to the University, now sought to alleviate their sorrow by contributing their share in the last proofs of affection and respect which were