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Rh provincial pleaders, had not an uncommon occurrence of circumstances elevated him to a situation in which the eyes of all Europe were fixed upon him. He, however, made himself known as an author, if not as an advocate; for he published two treatises about this time, in one of which he explained the principles of Electricity, and removed the vulgar prejudices that prevailed respecting conductors, the ereation of which was opposed by the ignorant, under the pretence that they were impious, and better calculated to produce destruction than ensure safety.

The other was on Death considered as a punishment. In this, all the modern governments were justly reproached for the sanguinary laws still prevalent in their criminal codes, and doubts were hinted as to the right claimed by society of cutting off the life of an individual.

No sooner had the letters of convocation to the States-General been issued, than Robespierre determined to become a candidate. He proved successful in his endeavours; and was, accordingly, nominated one of the representatives of his native province. He is said to have drawn up the cahiers, or instructions; by means of which the electors were accustomed to regulate the conduct of their deputies.

In the National Assembly, he sat and voted with the cote gauche, or patriotic side; and was sometimes confounded with the Orleanists, and sometimes with the Constitutionels. The former wished to place Philip on the throne of Louis; the latter were zealous for the adoption of the English constitution. It is no less true than singular, however that Robespierre remained in the greatest obscurity during the