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FFIRS.indd ii 3/31/11 8:14:17 AM
 PROFESSIONAL
TEST-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT WITH C#

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxv

 PART I GETTING STARTED

CHAPTER 1 The Road to Test-Driven Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CHAPTER 2 An Introduction to Unit Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CHAPTER 3 A Quick Review of Refactoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
CHAPTER 4 Test-Driven Development: Let the Tests Be Your Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
CHAPTER 5 Mocking External Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

 PART II PUTTING BASICS INTO ACTION

CHAPTER 6 Starting the Sample Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
CHAPTER 7 Implementing the First User Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
CHAPTER 8 Integration Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

 PART III TDD SCENARIOS

CHAPTER 9 TDD on the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
CHAPTER 10 Testing Windows Communication Foundation Services . . . . . . . . . . . 227
CHAPTER 11 Testing WPF and Silverlight Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245

 PART IV REQUIREMENTS AND TOOLS

CHAPTER 12 Dealing with Defects and New Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
CHAPTER 13 The Great Tool Debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
CHAPTER 14 Conclusions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
APPENDIX TDD Katas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

FFIRS.indd i 3/31/11 8:14:15 AM

FFIRS.indd ii 3/31/11 8:14:17 AM
 PROFESSIONAL

Test-Driven Development with C#

FFIRS.indd iii 3/31/11 8:14:17 AM

FFIRS.indd iv 3/31/11 8:14:17 AM
 PROFESSIONAL

Test-Driven Development with C#

DEVELOPING REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS WITH TDD

James Bender
Jeff McWherter

FFIRS.indd v 3/31/11 8:14:18 AM

 Professional Test-Driven Development with C#: Developing
Real World Applications with TDD
Published by
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46256
www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2011 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-0-470-64320-4
ISBN: 978-1-118-10210-7 (ebk)
ISBN: 978-1-118-10211-4 (ebk)
ISBN: 978-1-118-10212-1 (ebk)

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization
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MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 646-8600. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to
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FFIRS.indd vi 3/31/11 8:14:18 AM

 For Gayle. Thank you for being so awesome!

—James

To everyone who has believed in me.

—Jeff

To my wonderful wife Courtney and my

two amazing kids, Katie and Jacob.

— Michael

FFIRS.indd vii 3/31/11 8:14:18 AM

FFIRS.indd viii 3/31/11 8:14:19 AM
 ABOUT THE AUTHORS

JAMES BENDER is Vice Present of Technology for Improving Enterprises and has been involved in
software development and architecture for 17 years. He has worked as a developer and architect
on everything from small, single-user applications to Enterprise-scale, multi-user systems. His
specialties are .NET development and architecture, SOA, WCF, WF, cloud computing, and agile
development methodologies. He is an experienced mentor and author.
James has spent his career pushing the envelope of software development and pursuing new and
better ways of building applications. He began his career developing credit card processing
applications in C++ on SCO Unix based systems. In the late 90’s James began exploring web
development with both Java based JSP pages and Microsoft’s ASP technologies. He was an early
adopter of .NET starting with the fi rst public beta. He continued exploring the .NET technology
stack, focusing on the distributed computing paradigm made possible by .NET web services, which
naturally evolved into a somewhat obsessive interest in Microsoft’s Windows Communication
Foundation (WCF).
James has been practicing agile-based methodologies since 2003, including Scrum and eXtreme
Programming (XP). At part of this interest in agile methodologies, James began exploring test-driven
development at the same time. He was instrumental in introducing the concepts and techniques used
in agile software development and test-driven development to many developers at his clients and in
the software development community in general.
James is a Microsoft MVP for Visual C#. James is an active member of the development community.
He is the current president of the Central Ohio .NET Developers Group (www.condg.org) and
continues to lead the Columbus Architects Group (www.colarc.org) and is the senior editor of
fi rst-party content for nplus1.org, an educational website aimed toward architects and aspiring
architects. His blog can be found at www.jamescbender.com.

JEFF MCWHERTER is a partner and director of development at Gravity Works Design and
Development, based in a historic office in Lansing Michigan’s Old Town District. A graduate of
Michigan State University with over 12 years of professional software development experience, Jeff
holds numerous certifications from Microsoft including Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
(MCSD), Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), Microsoft Certified Application
Developer (MCAD), and Microsoft Technology Specialist (MCTS).
In 2010 Jeff was awarded with the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for the third year
in a row. Also in 2010, Jeff received the Ten Over The Next Ten award presented by the Lansing
Regional Chamber of Commerce, which recognizes 10 young professionals to “watch” over the next
10 years. Jeff is also a published author, with Testing ASP.NET Web Applications published by
Wrox Press.

FFIRS.indd ix 3/31/11 8:14:19 AM

 ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Along with being an author and software developer, Jeff is very active in developing programming
communities across the country by speaking at conferences and organizing events such as the
Lansing Give Camp, which pairs developers with non-profit organizations for volunteer projects.

MICHAEL EATON has been developing awesome solutions using Microsoft tools and technologies
since 1994, but in 2001 he broke free from the confi nes of the cube farm to go out on his own.
While he lives in the middle- of-nowhere Michigan, he serves clients throughout the Midwest. Well
known for his dislike of web development and box lunches, his focus over the past few years has
been on XAML -based technologies like WPF and Silverlight. He speaks at regional events and user
groups, runs the Kalamazoo X Conference and helps with the Ann Arbor Give Camp. He is also a
C# MVP. When not working on projects or spending time with his family, he treats his World of
Warcraft addiction with ample doses of time on his XBox 360.

FFIRS.indd x 3/31/11 8:14:19 AM

 ABOUT THE TECHNICAL EDITOR

MITCHEL SELLERS specializes in software development using Microsoft technologies. He is the CEO
of IowaComputerGurus Inc., a Microsoft C# MVP, a Microsoft Certified Professional, has served
as an author on two books, and served as technical editor on many other books. You will often fi nd
Mitchel interacting with the greater software development community either at events/conferences
or in online discussion forums. To obtain additional information on Mitchel’s professional
experience, certifications, and publications refer to his resume at MitchelSellers.com.

FFIRS.indd xi 3/31/11 8:14:19 AM

FFIRS.indd xii 3/31/11 8:14:19 AM
 CREDITS

ACQUISITIONS EDITOR PRODUCTION MANAGER

Paul Reese Tim Tate

PROJECT EDITOR VICE PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE GROUP

Sydney Jones PUBLISHER
Richard Swadley
TECHNICAL EDITORS
Jeff McWherter VICE PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER
Mitchell Sellers Barry Pruett

PRODUCTION EDITOR ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Rebecca Anderson Jim Minatel

COPY EDITOR PROJECT COORDINATOR, COVER

Gayle Johnson Katie Crocker

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR PROOFREADER

Robyn B. Siesky Carrie Hunter, Word One New York

EDITORIAL MANAGER INDEXER

Mary Beth Wakefield J & J Indexing

FREELANCER EDITORIAL MANAGER COVER DESIGNER

Rosemarie Graham Michael E. Trent

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING COVER IMAGE

David Mayhew © iStock / technotr

FFIRS.indd xiii 3/31/11 8:14:19 AM

Exploring the Variety of Random
Documents with Different Content
 LETTER V.
Opening of the legislative body.—Election of the president.—Lord
Cornwallis.—Reflections of the people in the gallery.

Paris, november the 23d, 1801 (2 frimaire).

my dear sir,

Yesterday being the first of “frimaire,” the day on which, by the

present constitution, the legislature and tribunate begin their
session, I determined to attend the opening of the former.
As I was not acquainted with any of the members, I was obliged,
by means of a silver ticket, to seek admittance in one of the galleries
devoted to the public. The legislative body holds its sittings in the
beautiful palace, now called by its name, but better known by its
former one, of Palais Bourbon. It is situate in the Fauxbourg St.
Germain, immediately fronting le pont Louis XVI, and opposite the
Champs Elisées. The hall, in which the members assemble, is a very
fine room, in which the council of five hundred sat during the
directorial government. It is large, of an octagon shape, and would
be admirably suited to the purpose, for which it is used, did not its
extreme height and arched roof prevent even the strongest voice
from being distinctly heard. To remedy this defect, green baize is
suspended on several parts of the wall; but the evil is but little
removed by this precaution. The first thing which attracted my
attention, was the military parade, in which the members entered
the room, and the regimental costume, in which they were dressed.
Drums and fifes announced their approach; and a guard of honour
(for both the corps législatif and the tribunate have each a regiment)
preceded them. The members wear a uniform of blue cloth,
embroidered with gold, a tricoloured sash, hussar boots, and a
cocked hat, both laced with gold. To an english eye, they had more
the appearance of naval officers than of legislators. The meeting was
opened by the minister of the interieur, who ascending the tribune
(or rostrum,) congratulated in a short speech, the corps législatif on
commencing its session, at a moment when the restoration of peace
with all the world confirmed the victories, and completed the
happiness of the republic. The eldest member then took the chair,
and declared the meeting legally constituted. They next proceeded
to choose a president. Scrutineers were appointed to examine the
votes, which were given in the following manner: The names of the
members were alphabetically called over, and each in his turn placed
a written paper, containing the name of the person whom he chose
into one of four vases, which were placed on the table for that
purpose. When all the members had voted, the four vases were
placed on as many different tables, and each examined by an equal
number of scrutineers. These counted the votes, and conveyed the
result to the temporary president, who, after comparing them
together, declared that Dupuis, having an absolute majority of 133
voices, was duly elected. The former then left the fauteuil[22], to
which the latter was instantly conducted. On taking the chair, Dupuis
ordered messages to be sent to the consuls and tribunate,
acquainting them, that the corps législatif was definitively
constituted, and was ready to receive the messengers of the
government. He then drew from his pocket a written paper, and read
a speech, in which he congratulated the meeting on the happy
auspices under which it began its session. He had scarcely finished,
when the sound of drum and fife announced the arrival of three
counsellors of state, with a message from the government. They
were preceded by huissiers, or ushers, in Spanish hats, with three
plumes of different colours, and were dressed themselves in their
grand costume of scarlet cloth, embroidered with silk of the same
colour. One of them then ascended the rostrum, and read a short
speech, declaring what the consuls had done, and what still further
they proposed. He congratulated the legislature on the peace, and
reminded the members, that the war being now over, they could
devote their whole time to the happiness and tranquillity of the
people. He concluded with complimenting the assembly on the
conduct which they had pursued in their last session, and which, he
said, they would doubtless continue in that which was now begun.
The president assured him, in reply, that the legislative body would,
on all occasions, be ready to assist the views of government in
promoting the glory, the peace, and the happiness of the nation.
The counsellors of state then retired, and the president read the
procès-verbal of the proceedings and appointments of the sénat
conservateur, as likewise several letters; some from members, with
excuses for nonattendance; others with resignations; and some from
authors, presenting books, almanacks, &c. to the legislature. The
title of one dedication entertained me not a little. It was addressed,
“Au Corps Législatif, au premier Consul, et à madame
Bonaparte[23].” We may conclude, that the writer was at once a
republican and a courtier. Inconsistencies are often reconciled in
France.
After these letters had been read, the meeting was closed. The
austrian, english, swedish, and other ambassadors, were present, in
a box appropriated to their use. The venerable appearance and
military dress of my lord Cornwallis delighted the parisians; and my
national vanity was not a little gratified, by the favourable
comparison which the people around me drew between his lordship
and the other foreign ministers. “Oui, oui, ce grand est milord
Cornvalis. Il a bonne mine. Il a l’air militaire. Il a servi, n’est il pas
vrai, monsieur? C’est un galant homme, regardez ce petit à côtè,
quelle différence! quelle mauvaise tournure, &c[24].”
I believe, indeed, that, on every account, we have reason to be
satisfied with the choice which our government has made of the
noble marquis. While in exteriors he satisfies the curiosity of the
french, and the pride of the english, he gives, by the respectability of
his character, the dignity of his deportment, and the known
moderation of his principles, the surest pledge of the pacific
intentions of the sovereign, whom he so worthily represents.
 Before I conclude this long account, I must mention, with regret,
that the persons in the gallery where I sat, spoke with the most
sovereign contempt of the legislative body. “Ils font bien[25],” said
one man, alluding to the boots, which constitute part of their dress;
“de porter des bottes. C’est un habit de voyage—ils ne resteront pas
ici long temps.”—“Nous les payons 10,000 francs[26],” said another,
“pour ne faire rien, je suis étonné que Bonaparte ne se débarasse
pas de ces gens là.”—“Je crois bien,” cried a third, addressing
himself to me, “que monsieur votre ambassadeur a un revenu à lui
plus grand, que celui de tous ces gaillards ensemble. Sans leur
traitement de législateur ils mouraient de faim[27].”
It is contrary to my plan to enter on any political subjects, or the
strange levity of these remarks would lead to some very serious
reflections. I only give you this chit chat of the peuple souverain[28],
as characteristic of the french, and of the present order of public
affairs.
I am, &c.
 LETTER VI.
The abbé Sicard, and the institution in behalf of the deaf and dumb.—His
favourite pupil, Massieu.—Examination of a young woman, who had
become deaf at six years old.—Reflections on the establishment.

Paris, december the 1st, 1801 (10 frimaire.)

my dear sir,

I had this morning so high a mental treat, that I cannot help

communicating to you the particulars without delay, in the hope of
being able, while my mind is strongly impressed with the subject, to
convey to you some faint idea of the pleasure which I received.
I shall not now speak to you of splendid buildings, of glorious
monuments of human ingenuity, of renowned heroes, or of brilliant
festivals. What I saw to day interested me, and I am sure would
have interested you, much more than all such objects united; I
mean, the institution des sourd-muets (that humane establishment
for the instruction of the deaf and dumb), first founded under the
care of the abbé l’Epée, and now conducted by his worthy successor,
the abbé Sicard.
Having tickets offered me for an extraordinary meeting, which
took place this morning, I willingly availed myself of the opportunity,
and at ten o’clock repaired to la rue St. Jacques, where, in a former
convent, this beneficent establishment is carried on. Here I found a
large assemblage of respectable persons, who all listened, with
pleasure and attention, to the simple, plain, and unaffected manner,
in which the abbé Sicard explained his method of giving to the deaf
and dumb the means of expressing their thoughts. “As foreigners,”
said he, “unacquainted with the language of the country which they
visit, are supposed stupid and ignorant by the uninformed, so the
deaf and dumb are often considered as idiots, because they are
deprived of one sense. No,” continued he, “they are not idiots; they
have ideas as well as you, and only want an organ to express them.”
He then went on to state, that in most educations children are
taught first to speak, and then, sometimes, to think; whereas, in his
plan, he began first by teaching his pupils to think, and then
proceeded to instruct them how to express what they had so
thought[29].
To exemplify both his plan and his success, he examined Massieu,
his favourite and ablest pupil, a young man, about twenty or twenty
five years old. As soon as the abbé expressed, by his gestures, any
particular passion, Massieu instantly wrote the word appropriate to
the peculiar feeling, and then explained the meaning of the word he
had written, with a vivacity of action, and a variety of countenance,
which I never before witnessed in any human being. He next wrote
on the wall, with great rapidity, the chain of ideas, by which the
abbé Sicard regularly advances his scholars, from the expression of a
simple thought, to one of greater import. Thus, beginning with the
word “voir,” to see, he ended, going on by regular steps, with the
word “examiner,” to examine; beginning with “idéer,” (a word created
by Massieu, but answering to “avoir idée,” or to have an idea), he
ended with “approfondir,” to search into; and beginning with
“vouloir,” to will, he ended with “brûler,” to burn with passion.
Massieu expressed, with wonderful fire, the meaning of each
progressive passion, in the changes of his countenance, which, when
animated, is uncommonly fine.
In the course of this meeting, the abbé Sicard likewise examined,
for the first time, a young woman, now eighteen, who, at six years
old, had become entirely deaf, and who could now only speak such
words as she had learnt at that tender age, many of which she still
pronounced imperfectly, and as children are apt to do. He began
with showing us a memorandum, or washing bill, in which this girl
had drawn her gowns, petticoats, &c. according to the different
forms of these articles. Massieu then, by direction of the abbé, drew
on the wall different things of common use; to some of these she
applied their proper names, some she did not know, and others she
mispronounced. The latter defect M. Sicard immediately removed, by
pronouncing the word himself, teaching her by signs to move her
lips, as he did, by blowing on the hand, and by touching some
particular fibres of the arm. I cannot satisfactorily explain this
operation; but it will, perhaps, be sufficient to observe, that the
abbé, more than once, said, “by such and such motions, I will
produce such and such sounds;” and that, as soon as the girl had
imitated the motions he made, she articulated the words, as he had
previously promised.
The more I saw of this institution, the more was I delighted. There
were forty or fifty children present, who, born deaf and dumb, were,
by the wonderful skill and unceasing care of the respectable abbé,
restored to society, to happiness, and themselves. They were seated
in different parts of the room, and conversed with each other,
though at the greatest distance, by the means of their fingers, which
were in constant motion. They had every appearance of enjoying
good health, spirits, and vivacity.
There are all kinds of workshops, manufactures, and schools, in
the house of the sourd-muets, and the establishment is entirely
maintained at the expense of the government. Massieu, I hear, has
displayed strong symptoms of genius, and has even written some
very beautiful verses.
How admirable is this institution! How honourable to the ingenuity
and the heart of man! to restore to all the enjoyments of life, and to
the dignity of rational beings, hapless creatures, doomed by the
caprice of Nature to inexpressible feeling and irremediable
ignorance, is perhaps the highest and proudest effort of human
contrivance.
Of all which I have yet beheld at Paris, this is to me the most
interesting sight. Other objects strike the imagination, but this
moves the heart. Farewell, my dear sir, the night is far advanced; but
I could not place my head on the pillow, till I had attempted to
communicate to you, how much I had been pleased with this
admirable and philanthropic institution.
I am, &c.
 LETTER VII.
A thé or evening party.—French remarks on Shakspeare, and Mr. Fox.—
Dullness and pedantry of parisian society.

Paris, december 3d, 1801 (3 frimaire.)

my dear sir,

I have just received your last letter, and as you complain, that I am
not sufficiently minute in my descriptions of private society, I will
endeavour to satisfy your curiosity, by giving a faithful account of an
assembly, or thé, as it is called here, to which I was invited a few
evenings since.
The lady, at whose house this entertainment was given, belonged
to the old court; but having remained in France during the whole of
the revolution, has preserved her property. I drove to her hotel,
about eight in the evening, and after passing through a dark and
dirty antichamber, in which her servants and those of her guests sat
very quietly, while I passed, without moving from their seats, I found
my way, not without difficulty, into the “salon,” or drawing room: In
this apartment, the walls of which bore the faint semblance of
having been painted white, some thirty years before, and on which
shattered remnants of tarnished gold might still be discovered, I
perceived near the fire, the lady of the mansion. She half rose from
her seat, as I approached, and after a short “bon jour monsieur,”
continued in a whisper, an earnest conversation, in which she was
engaged with an old gentleman, who, as I have since learnt, was a
ci-devant duke, lately returned from emigration. As I was left entirely
to myself, (for I was introduced to no one) I had ample time to
examine every thing around me. The room, sombre in itself, was
rendered still more so, by a patent lamp suspended in the middle,
which was the only light I perceived, and which simply answered the
purpose of making “darkness visible.”
 There were about twenty or thirty persons assembled, of different
ages, and of different sexes. Having heard so much of french gayety,
I was astonished at the melancholy countenances I saw around me,
and at the general stupidity of this party. In one corner was placed a
whist table, at which, two ci-devant countesses, a member of
l’ancienne académie française, and a former financier were disputing
for sous. There were round the fire, two rows of fauteuils, or arm
chairs, in which the ladies not occupied with cards, were seated in
awful state. Two or three young men dressed à l’anglaise, with the
preposterous addition of immense neckcloths, ear rings, and half a
dozen under waistcoats, lounged about the middle of the room, and
now and then caught a glimpse at their favourite persons, in an
adjoining glass. The fire was monopolized by a party of zealous
disputants, who, turning their backs to the company, and talking all
together, formed a separate group, or rather a debating society,
round the chimney. From the loudness of their voices, and the
violence of their gestures, I supposed they were discussing some
great national question, and expecting to gain much useful
intelligence, listened with all the painful attention of extreme
curiosity. I soon discovered, to my no small astonishment, that it
was not the fate of the nation, but the accuracy of an expression,
which excited their zeal. The abbé Delille had, it seems, in a poem
lately published, used this phrase,

“Je n’entends que silence, je ne vois que la nuit[30].”

Whether it was possible “to hear silence,” and “see night,” was the
great subject of dispute: and the metaphysical distinctions, nice
definitions, and pedantic remarks, which this question excited,
formed a curious specimen of the french character. Some of the
ladies joined in the debate; and I know not to what height it might
have been carried, had not the arrival of the thé interrupted the
orators, and stopped the conversation, with a subject more
agreeable to the general taste.
 At twelve o’clock, the beverage I have mentioned, which the
french think unwholesome at all times, and which even the english
fear to take at so late an hour, was placed near the fire, on a large
table, surrounded with cakes, creams, custards, a large tureen of
soup, and a bowl of punch, the party crowded round the table, and
helped themselves to the refreshments it contained. When the
ceremony was over, those who did not return to the card tables,
entered into conversation; and as literary subjects were still the
favourite theme, a young man, with a pompous manner, and a
solemn tone of voice, said, addressing himself to me, “Is it true, sir,
that there are englishmen, so blinded by national prejudice, as to
prefer votre bizarre Shakspeare[31], to our divine Racine?”
Endeavouring to avoid a discussion, which I knew the answer I was
inclined to give would create, I contented myself with observing,
that Shakspeare and Racine were such different authors, that it was
absurd to compare them. “As well,” said I, “might you draw a
resemblance between the beauties of Switzerland, and those of
Versailles.” “The proper simile,” retorted the first speaker, “would be
between Versailles and a barren heath, on which some few beautiful
plants may have been accidentally scattered, by the capricious hand
of nature.” The whole circle joined in the triumph, which my
antagonist supposed he had gained, and I in vain attempted to
recapitulate, and to translate some of the striking passages of
Shakespear. Though all condemned our “heaven-inspired poet,” I
soon perceived, that few had ever read, and none understood the
sublime work which they presumed to criticise.
“Speaking of english authors,” cried the member of the ci-devant
académie française, “makes one think of english orators. I see, by
Chateau-Brian’s account of England, that the cause of Mr. Fox’s
retirement from parliament, has been at last discovered; and that it
arose from his mental powers having been weakened by the effect
of excessive drinking. To this I suppose one must attribute his late
unwarrantable attack on the house of Bourbon.”
 Astonished at this extraordinary assertion, I took the liberty of
assuring the gentleman, that Mr. Fox’s talents were as perfect as
ever, and that his last speech was one of the finest efforts of human
reasoning. “Pardonnez,” cried the academician. “Mr. Fox could never
reason. He was indeed once a fine declaimer, but as to the powers
of argument, he never possessed them.” I was ridiculous enough to
combat this absurd opinion, and to assure him, that there was not
an englishman, (whatever his political sentiments might be) who
would not willingly bear testimony to the wonderful argumentative
talents of the extraordinary man in question.
I talked in vain, the whole company joined with the academician,
who pour toute réponse[32], said, “C’est Mr. Pitt, qui sait raisonner,
mais pour Mr. Fox il déclame joliment, voilà tout son talent. Vous me
permetterez de savoir!” assuming a look of great dignity, “parceque
c’est moi qui ai traduit ses discours.” So saying, he turned away, and
soon after the company dispersed.
Can I give you a stronger instance of the taste and justice, with
which the french pronounce on the merits of our authors, and public
characters?
If Shakspeare is not a poet, nor Mr. Fox an orator, where are we to
look for examples of perfection?
Thus it is on every subject in this country. The french suppose,
that they understand english books, and english politics, much
better than we do; and this is not the first lesson which I have
received. I have often been contradicted on constitutional, as well as
literary questions; and I have always found, that the company
supported not the opinion of the native, whose local knowledge
deserved some little credit, but the bold assertion of their
countryman, who was generally believed and applauded, in
proportion to the extravagance and singularity of the doctrine which
he laid down.
I forgot to mention, that great offence being taken at Mr. Fox’s
remarks on the old government, a gentleman took great pains to
persuade me, that l’ancien régime was the freest constitution under
the sun. You will not be surprised to hear, that he did not make me a
convert to his opinion, and that I assured him, if such was a free
government, I hoped it would be long, very long, before England
should possess it.
This evening’s entertainment gave me altogether but a very
unfavourable opinion, both of french society, french taste, and
french gallantry. There was no mirth, no general conversation, and
scarcely any intercourse between the men and women. As to Mrs.
⸺, she was left to the uninterrupted enjoyment of her own
thoughts, for no person took the trouble of addressing her. Her
english dress, however, did not escape the criticism of the ladies;
and my pronunciation was equally a source of amusement to the
gentlemen. I shall only add, that if this be a specimen of french
society, I may obtain much information at Paris; yet I shall certainly
receive but little pleasure from my journey.
I am, &c.
 LETTER VIII.
Bonaparte.—The monthly review or parade in the court of the Thuilleries.

Paris, december the 6th, 1801, (15 frimaire.)

my dear sir,

My curiosity is at last gratified. I have seen Bonaparte. You will

readily conceive how much pleasure I felt to day, in beholding, for
the first time, this extraordinary man, on whose single exertions the
fate of France, and in many respects that of Europe, has for some
time depended.
I was fortunate enough to obtain places in one of the apartments
of Duroc, the governor of the palace, from the windows of which I
saw the review to the greatest advantage. It is impossible to
describe the impatience with which we awaited the appearance of
Bonaparte. Mrs. ⸺ well observed, that her eyes ached with
looking.
As soon as the court of the Thuilleries, (that is to say the ground,
which is enclosed with iron railings, near the Carousel,) was filled
with the different regiments, who arranged themselves with
wonderful skill, and without the least confusion, notwithstanding the
limited space allotted them, the generals descended from their
horses, went up stairs into the palace, and, after some little delay,
conducted Bonaparte to the door. He instantly sprang on his white
charger, (which waited for him at the gate) and commenced the
review. As he passed several times before the window where I sat, I
had ample time to examine his countenance, his figure, his dress,
and his manner. His complexion is uncommonly sallow, his
countenance expressive but stern, his figure little but well made, and
his whole person, like the mind which it contains, singular and
remarkable. If I were compelled to compare him to any one, I
should name Kemble, the actor. Though Bonaparte is much less in
size, and less handsome than that respectable performer, yet in the
construction of the features, and in the general expression, there is
a strong resemblance. There is, however, such originality about the
appearance of the first consul, that, without having seen him, it is
difficult to form an idea of his person. The picture of Bonaparte at
the review, exhibited some time back in Piccadilly, and the bust in
Sèvre china, which is very common at Paris, and which has probably
become equally so in London, are the best likenesses I have seen.
As to his dress, he wore the grand costume of his office, that is to
say a scarlet velvet coat, richly embroidered with gold, to this he had
added leather breeches, jockey boots, and a little plain cocked hat,
the only ornament of which was a national cockade. His hair
unpowdered was cut close in his neck.
After riding through the ranks, and receiving the salutes of the
officers, he passed by every regiment, the colours of which were
lowered as he went on. He then placed himself in the middle of the
parade, and his generals and aides-de-camp having formed a group
around him, he distributed swords and firelocks of honour to such
officers and soldiers, as in different campaigns had deserved them.
Berthier, the companion of his victories, and now minister of war,
presented one by one these articles to Bonaparte, who having read
the inscription which was engraved on each, recording the action by
which it was deserved, delivered with his own hands the respective
badges of honour. After this ceremony was over, the different
regiments passed by the first consul, and the captain of each
company or troop saluted him in passing. The cavalry went in full
gallop, and as they approached him stopped with wonderful
neatness. Thus concluded the review. He then rode with his officers
to the palace gate, dismounted, and retired to his apartments,
followed by the generals and a strong detachment of men.
The spectacle was altogether extremely brilliant. The windows of
the palace, of the gallery of the Louvre, and of all the adjoining
houses were filled with ladies elegantly dressed, and the iron gates
which separate the court from the palace, were surrounded by the
people. I shall say nothing of the discipline of the troops, not being a
military man, and consequently little conversant with such matters. I
shall only speak of what struck the eye. The consular guards are the
handsomest men I ever saw, scarcely any are less than six feet high,
and if we may believe the report of persons connected with the
government, every individual in the corps owes his situation to long
service, or some distinguished act of valour. Their uniform is a long
coat of fine blue cloth, faced with white, and edged with red, with a
yellow button, on which is written “garde des consuls.” They wear
white waistcoats and breeches, and a fur cap, with a gilt plate, on
which appears the same inscription as that on the buttons. “La garde
consulaire à cheval,” or consular horse guard, wears the same
uniform as the foot of that service. The dragoons are dressed in
green, with a casque, from which is suspended a large braid of hair.
Several regiments of the line, which formed part of the review,
have been highly distinguished during the war, particularly the
celebrated demi-brigade, which at Marengo is said to have saved the
life of Bonaparte, when in the ardour of battle he had exposed
himself to almost certain destruction. These regiments were ill
dressed, the men were little, and their whole appearance was, when
compared with the consular guard, far from favourable. The guides
commanded by the young Beauharnois, (madame Bonaparte’s son)
were very elegantly dressed in scarlet hussar uniforms, and mounted
on light bay horses, splendidly caparisoned. Generally speaking, the
horses of the cavalry were very indifferent, excepting one fine
regiment of blacks, which was commanded by Louis Bonaparte, the
third brother of the consul.
As soon as Bonaparte left the ground the regiments began to file
off by different gates, in the same good order in which they had
arrived, and though nearly ten thousand men had been on the
parade, in less than a quarter of an hour not an individual remained.
The generals wear blue uniforms, richly embroidered, with
tricoloured sashes. The aides-de-camp are very handsome young
men, dressed in blue jackets, long pantaloons, and hussar cloaks,
the whole almost covered with gold. I remarked amongst them
Lauriston, who took the preliminary ratification to London, and
young le Brun, son of the third consul, who at the battle of Marengo,
behaved with uncommon valour, and received in his arms the
unfortunate and gallant Dessaix[33]. I make no apology for the
length of this letter, for knowing that you wished to have a particular
account of the consular reviews, I have been purposely as minute as
possible. These reviews regularly take place on the 15th of every
month, according to the republican calendar.
Adieu!
 LETTER IX.
The tribunate.—Speech of Portalis on presenting the code civil in the corps
législatif.—Debate in the tribunate on the same subject.

Paris, december the 20th, 1801, (29th frimaire).

my dear sir,

I went this morning to the tribunate, which holds its sitting in the ci-
devant Palais royal, in order to hear discussed the proposed project
of civil laws. This reminds me, that by a strange and unaccountable
omission, I have not in any of my letters mentioned the speech,
which the celebrated Portalis delivered on the 24th of last month, in
presenting the measure to the corps législatif, and which speech I
was so fortunate as to hear. To remedy my neglect, I shall begin my
letter with mentioning what passed on that occasion; and shall
conclude it with the debate, which took place to day, on the same
subject, in the tribunate.
Portalis is a man of grave, respectable appearance, about fifty
years old, and so shortsighted, as to be nearly blind. As soon as he
ascended the rostrum, the utmost silence prevailed, and the
legislators seemed to listen with that profound attention, which is
only given to those from whom we expect either amusement or
instruction. As for me, I received both from his discourse; and I do
not remember to have been yet so well contented with a public
speaker in France. He spoke for rather more than an hour and a half,
without notes and without hesitation. He explained with precision,
the principles and the heads of the code, which he was ordered to
lay before the legislature; and while he was clear and intelligible in
every part of his speech, he was frequently extremely eloquent. His
principal aim seemed to be, as he expressed it, “de profiter des
lumières de notre temps, mais pas de les avancer[34].” He
particularly recommended a system of laws, corresponding with
those of other nations, and which should strengthen the ties of
matrimony, and the security of domestic happiness. Among the
many strong expressions, with which his speech abounded, I
remarked the following. “Pour aimer le monde entier, on peut dire, il
faut aimer premièrement sa patrie, mais celui qui commencerait à
aimer le monde entier, finira à n’aimer aucun pays[35]. La
philosophie a fait son devoir, c’est à vous, citoyens législateurs,
d’achever le votre. La philosophie commence à faire le bonheur des
hommes, mais c’est la législation qui l’acheve, &c.” The legislature
ordered his speech to be printed, and adjourned.
To day this important question was debated in the tribunate; and I
must confess, that the expectations, which I had formed, were not a
little disappointed. I did not, it is true, flatter myself with the idea of
hearing either a Fox, a Pitt, a Sheridan, or a Mirabeau; but I
imagined, that among the members of the only deliberative
assembly, now in France, some few men would be found capable of
discussing with sense, argument, and extended views, a measure so
important, not only to the present happiness of the country, but to
that also of the latest posterity. It would be too presumptuous to
say, that there are no such men in the tribunate. On the contrary, I
know, that there are some members of very superiour knowledge,
great genius, and liberal principles. I shall be forgiven, however, for
remarking, that the talent displayed on this occasion was by no
means equal to the dignity of the subject in question, or worthy the
assembly in which it was discussed. Five or six members had put
their names down, as intending to speak, and each was heard in his
turn. Nothing could be duller than these speeches; every one of
which was read from a written paper. A very ridiculous circumstance
arose from this manner of speaking. As each of the discourses had
been previously prepared, there was no reference to the arguments
used in the debate; and the advocates and opposers of the measure,
equally disregarded, and left unanswered, the remarks of those who
happened to precede them in the debate. I was not a little
entertained with the conceit of one of these lamp-oil orators, who
discovered, that unless they restored la loi d’aubaine[36], englishmen
might buy up all the woods of France, and thus, at one blow, deprive
the government of its ships, and the people of their fuel.
The only decent speech delivered on the occasion was by the
celebrated Boissy d’Anglass[37], who adduced some very strong
reasons against the proposed project. Speaking of England, he
called the climate, “ce climat ténébreux et humide[38].”
The expression may apply; but from the damp and foggy weather,
which, during some time has prevailed at Paris, I am apt to think,
that it is not exclusively descriptive of Great Britain.
After this tame and languid debate, more resembling the dull
repetition of school boy’s exercises, than the speeches of a great
popular assembly, the measure was rejected by a large majority.
I shall make no remarks on this decision, as doing so would
necessarily lead into a political discussion, which it is my great object
to avoid.
The tribunes, being but one hundred in number, sit in a small hall
appropriate to their use. There is a gallery, which from the specimen
of eloquence displayed this day, I was not surprised to find nearly
empty. The tribunes wear a uniform of blue cloth, embroidered with
silver, hussar boots also edged with silver, white waistcoats, blue
pantaloons, and a tricoloured sash. They also begin and end their
meetings with military honours.
I am, &c.
 LETTER X.
Bal des étrangers, (a public subscription ball).—Thinness of the ladies’
dresses.

Paris, december 27th, 1801 (6th nivôse).

my dear sir,

I was last night at a public ball, given by a club or society, called, “le
salon des étrangers.” This is an establishment, formed on the plan of
our subscription houses in England, and lately opened in a
handsome hotel in la rue Grange Batelière, the windows of which
look on the Boulevard. It consists of frenchmen, who are admitted
by ballot, and of foreigners of all nations. The latter are received,
(being introduced by a member) on paying the annual subscription
of five louis. The house is handsomely furnished, and consists of
several large rooms, which are open every morning and evening, for
the use of the subscribers. Besides the ordinary games played in
such sort of houses, there is a very excellent billiard table, and a
room fitted up for reading, in which are found periodical
publications, and all the newspapers, french, german, and english. It
was this latter circumstance which induced me to subscribe; and it is
here where I usually end my walk, and amuse myself for half an
hour, in running over the publications of the day.
The club or society, by way I suppose of gaining to its aid the
protection and interest of the fair, without which nothing is to be
done in France, or, to speak the truth, any where else, gives a ball,
about once in ten days, and it was at one of these assemblies, that I
was present last night.
At twelve o clock, Mrs. ⸺ and I drove to “le salon des
étrangers,” (for no ball begins at an earlier hour) and the string of
carriages was so very long, that we were nearly an hour in getting
up to the door. I cannot help taking this opportunity, of commending
the admirable order preserved by the police, on all such occasions at
Paris. Though, from several streets meeting on the Boulevard, the
crowd was great, yet there was not the least accident, nor even the
smallest confusion. The staircase, by which we ascended, was
elegantly ornamented with orange, and other artificial flower trees.
When we entered the outward room, there were already so many
persons assembled, that it was not without considerable difficulty,
that we made our way into the salon, or drawing room. Never shall I
forget my surprise, when, looking round me, I perceived the dress,
or rather the nakedness of the ladies. I had heard much of the
indecency, of which some females were guilty, in respect to costume
at Paris, and I had already seen specimens of the thinness of their
apparel; but till this evening, I thought it only the failing of a few. I
now saw at least two hundred women, of different ages, and
different situations in life, all displaying, without reserve or disguise,
the beauties, which they had either received from nature, imitated
by art, or believed themselves by the aid of flattering fancy to
possess. The young and the old, the handsome and the ugly, the fair
and the brown, all prodigally dragged into common view, those
charms, which a virtuous woman conceals from motives of modesty,
and a sensualist from those of discretion. The buxom girl of sixteen,
the newly married woman, and the superannuated mother of a
numerous family, were all equally exposed. Naked necks, naked
backs, and their form, scarcely concealed by a transparent petticoat,
left nothing to the powers of fancy.
You will think, perhaps, that I am drawing an exaggerated picture;
but I can assure you, on the honour of a man of truth, that such was
the costume of at least two thirds of the ladies present at this ball.
The head-dresses, classically imitated from the ancient statues, were
elegant; and the number of diamonds, pearls, and other precious
stones, strikingly brilliant. There were many handsome women; but
their beauty was uniformly of one kind. The embonpoint, and the
nez retroussé, characterised them all. I looked in vain for those
graceful figures, and those grecian countenances, which form so
often the ornament of an english assembly. Among the most
celebrated belles, madame R⸺, the young wife of an affluent
banker, was pointed out to me; madame V⸺, an Italian lady, much
the fashion at Paris, and the renowned madame Tallien. I think the
first rather remarkable, for the singularity of her dress, (her head
being ornamented “à la cochoise,” that is to say, as the peasants of a
particular province dress their hair) her extreme fairness, and
downcast look, than for any real extraordinary beauty. Madame V
⸺ is a fine dark woman, “d’une certaine age,” with beautiful eyes,
and a commanding person. Madame Tallien, notwithstanding her
great fame, has, according to me, rather an agreeable countenance,
and an enchanting smile, than features excessively striking. She is
fair, as the fairest of our countrywomen; her neck is beautiful; and
her countenance, mild and good humoured, is said to be a true
picture of her mind. Yet, in spite of these advantages, I never should
have discovered in her, the reigning belle of Paris. She, too, is not in
the first bloom of youth. The dances were, the cotillon, (which they
call la contredanse) and the walse. In the former, the ladies
displayed that decided superiority, which the french possess in the
art of dancing. As to the walse, I was astonished at the decency,
with which that very indecent dance was danced, by the young
parisians; who, placing their arms round the uncovered persons of
the handsomest women in the room, yet had sufficient command of
themselves, not to shock either their partners, or the company, by
being guilty of the slightest impropriety. I expressed my surprise to
an elderly lady, at this extraordinary forbearance. “Croyez moi,
monsieur[39],” she replied, “que nos jeunes gens voient tout cela
avec l’indifférence la plus parfaite.”
What a lesson does this remark hold out to the fair sex, of every
description! That female is not less deficient in coquetry, and in the
art of commanding the affections of men, than in every principle of
decency, who wantonly exposes to the common gaze of passing
curiosity those attractions, which are only valuable, as long as the
sight of them is the exclusive privilege of a favoured lover.
 The libertine, if he at first looks on with admiration, soon ceases
to care for that which every eye may behold; and apathy, united to
contempt, is the sentiment which succeeds to passion.
I return to the ball. The crowd became greater and greater, and
the heat was excessive; but the scene altogether was lively and
amusing.
A frenchman de l’ancien régime, hearing me express my surprise
at the costume of the ladies, assured me, that excepting the
foreigners, there was not one woman de bonne compagnie in the
room. This term of “bonne compagnie,” is so often used, and so
seldom explained, that I really do not know, whether he meant that
there was not a woman of the old court, or that there was not a
virtuous female present. If he intended the former, it only proved,
that these balls were not frequented by the noblesse; if the latter, he
was much severer in his remark than I had been. I only complained
of the ladies being indecent; he asserted that they were profligate.
At any rate, the one fault leads so rapidly to the other, that it was
difficult to make a mistake.
The room was well lighted; the music excellent, and the ball,
being formed of all the different classes of society, highly
entertaining to a foreigner. There were a great many english
present; most of the ambassadors, and many other distinguished
characters.
I returned home about three in the morning.
Adieu.
 LETTER XI.
New year’s day.—The Palais royal.

Paris, January the 1st, 1802 (11 nivôse.)

my dear sir,

The people of all nations cling, with such fond partiality, to their old
customs, that it is next to impossible to eradicate even the most
trifling of these by the power of law. I remarked a strong proof of
this to day. It was an immemorial custom in France to celebrate new
years day, by making presents of confectionary, trinkets, and such
other articles, to near relations and particular friends.
Notwithstanding the republican almanack, and the use of it in all
public acts, newspapers, &c. which makes the year begin with
vendémiaire, answering to our 23d of september, the first of January
is still considered as solely entitled to these honours. The Palais
royal, as it is universally called (notwithstanding its first revolutionary
and already superannuated name of “Jardin d’Egalité,” and its
present constitutional one of “Palais du Tribunat,”) was thronged this
morning with persons of all classes, who soon dispersed themselves
among the various shops, in order to purchase these little annual
presents, or “étrennes,” as they are called in the language of the
country. The jewellers vied with each other in displaying, in their
windows, all the taste, fashion, and magnificence, of their choicest
merchandise; and diamond rings, pearl lockets, and amber
necklaces, offered to gallantry elegant but expensive means of
testifying its ardour. The milliners brought forth their finest lace,
their most tawdry colours, and their most extravagant patterns; and
the confectioners, with streamers at their door, ornamented cakes
within, perfumed bonbons, and amorous mottoes, soon found the
means of filling their respective shops.
 What an extraordinary place is the Palais royal! There is nothing
like it in any town in Europe. I remember hearing an english epicure
once observe, “that as soon as the peace took place, he would give
himself the happiness of passing six weeks in the Palais royal,
without once going out of its gates.” Certainly, if a man be contented
with sensual pleasures, there is not one which he may not gratify
within the walls of this building. Restaurateurs, or taverns, where
dinners are served from ten sols to two louis a head. Coffee houses,
where, for three-pence, the lounger may pass the whole of his day
in playing chess, talking politics, or reading the papers. Gambling
houses, where the man of pleasure, at the risk of all that is dearest
to him in life, purchases the anxious feelings which fear and hope
excite, and where the chevalier d’industrie finds the disgraceful
means of a dishonourable existence. Tailors, haberdashers,
silversmiths, and watchmakers, offer every variety of clothing, of
ornament, and of machinery. Booksellers’ shops are seen in every
corner, where the homme de lettres finds his favourite authors, the
romantic young lady her novels, and the politician his pamphlets.
Opticians, where the frequenter of spectacles purchases his opera
glass, and the philosopher his telescope. Crowds of unfortunate, and
sometimes lovely females, challenge, with every variety of dress, the
attention of passengers, and, while they offer a too easy banquet to
libertines and dotards, fill every reflecting mind with pity and with
sorrow. Such are the objects which the Palais royal presents. I ought
to add, that while the cellars are filled with inferiour restaurateurs,
or eating houses, where bands of music are constantly playing,
frequently dressed in theatrical costumes; the upper rooms are
occupied with gambling parties, cabinets of intrigue, and
coffeehouses[40]. The latter have every variety of decoration; some
are painted to represent the Alps, and others are covered with glass,
reflecting in every direction a different room. The gambling tables
are numerous; and I am assured, that on the stairs, descending
from one of these, there is a pawnbroker’s shop, where it sometimes
happens, that a ruined gamester, after losing the contents of his
purse, deposits, for the sake of making a last and desperate effort,
his watch, his buckles, and sometimes his coat. With the trifle
advanced him he returns, and, if successful, redeems, on going
away, the objects he has pledged. If he fail, a pistol, or the river,
ends his miserable days. Such is the consequence of play, and such
are the scenes which this profligate place presents.
The buildings, which formerly filled the centre, are now pulled
down, and that part is really a garden, which many persons frequent
for exercise. There are ice houses at each end, and chairs scattered
about, on which the parisians sit in rows, and take lemonade and
other refreshments. The space under the arcades, not occupied by
the shops, is, as formerly, filled every hour of the day, and the
greatest part of the night, with figures of all descriptions, with
persons of every class, and, I might add, of every nation in the
world.
“Le théâtre de Montansier” is still in the Palais royal, besides many
smaller play houses. Puppet shows, dwarfs, giants, quack doctors,
vociferating newsmen, and quiet venders of libels, who in a whisper
offer you indecent and forbidden publications, complete the
catalogue of many-coloured curiosities which this place presents.
Adieu. I dare not add the reflections which so singular a spot
would naturally create. Were I to do so, scarcely a volume would
contain them.
Adieu.
 LETTER XII.
L’institution des travaux des aveugles, or establishment for the support
and employment of the blind.—Their different occupations.—The plate
glass manufactory.—Description of another meeting at the hospital of
the deaf and dumb.—Massieu taught galvanism and stenography.

Paris, January the 16th, 1802 (26 nivôse.)

my dear sir,

I went to day to see the establishment formed for the protection and
instruction of the blind. It is called “l’institution des travaux des
aveugles[41],” and is situate in the Fauxbourg St. Antoine, not far
from the ci-devant Bastille. It is here, where persons afflicted with
that greatest of all human calamities, the loss of sight, are taught
the means of gaining a comfortable existence, of occupying hours
which would otherwise be painfully tiresome, and of rendering
themselves useful to the community.
At the “séance,” or public meeting, which I attended this morning,
I saw several persons, men, women, and children, either born blind,
or rendered so by illness, now able to read, to write, to count, to
print, and to perform on different pieces of instrumental music. The
mode by which they read is by feeling the letters, which are
purposely raised on card; and they did so with such rapidity, that it
was difficult in hearing them to discover their misfortune. What
particularly struck me, was the ingenuity of a blind woman, who had
taught her child to read, an infant about five years old, not afflicted
with this calamity.
There is a manufactory of steel carried on in the building, in which
the blind turn the wheel; and they also make whips, writing cases,
purses and paper toys of all sorts, which are sold for their private
emolument. There is likewise a press, or printing machine, in which
the whole process is performed by the blind; and I am told, books
published by them are more than commonly correct. The women
knit, sew, and perform other kinds of needlework; and all of them
either sing, or perform on some instrument. They gave us a kind of
concert, which, if not very good, proved at least that they
understood the principles or music. I am almost ashamed to
mention, that my pleasure in witnessing this truly philanthropic
establishment, was not a little diminished by the dreadful
countenances of the blind, as the eyes of many, not being closed,
exhibited a very disgusting appearance. I knew, indeed, that they
were not sensible of this defect, and that I ought to be satisfied with
an institution, which, in rendering them both happy and useful, had
fully discharged its object. To the truth of this reflection my reason
fully assented; yet, malgré moi[42], my senses revolted at the sight
of human beings, left so imperfect by the hand of Nature, or so
deformed by illness.
In leaving “les aveugles,” we drove to the great plate glass
manufactory, which is carried on in the neighbourhood. This
celebrated establishment suffered severely during the revolution, but
is now daily recovering its former prosperity. Six hundred persons
are at present employed, and I saw mirrors preparing of various and
extensive dimensions. The operation of pouring quicksilver on glass,
by which it obtains its reflecting qualities, was performed before us;
and we were much delighted with the rapidity and neatness shown
in the process.
As I began this letter with the institution in favour of the blind, I
think I cannot do better than to conclude it, by speaking to you
again of that of the deaf and dumb. I have, since my first letter on
that subject, attended two extraordinary meetings of the “sourd
muets,” the result of which I will now give you.
Massieu, the deaf and dumb young man, of whose superiour
talents and acquirements I gave you so favourable an account,
appeared to great advantage at one of these, in which he received,
for the first time, a lesson on “galvanism.” As soon as the abbé
Sicard wrote on a slate, “galvanism is a name given to a mode of
electricity, in consequence of its having been discovered by Galvani,
an Italian physician.” Massieu eagerly snatched the pencil, and
wrote, in reply, “I saw the word galvanism in one of the newspapers,
and not knowing what it meant, looked for an explanation in the
dictionary of the academy. Not finding it there, I concluded that it
was taken from a proper name. It then occurred to me, that it was a
new medicine, discovered by the individual, whose name it bore;
and that, perhaps, by means of this specific, the inventor might cure
the deaf and dumb, comme notre seigneur Jesus Christ[43].”
Never shall I forget the animation which brightened the
countenance of Massieu, while he rapidly wrote these words, or the
curious and anxious attention with which he followed the
explanation afterwards given him of galvanism. In the course of the
lecture, he showed, by his questions and answers, that he was
perfectly conversant with the general principles of electricity; and
the ease with which he caught the doctrine of galvanism was truly
astonishing. I am sure you will be struck, as I was, at the singularity
of his conceiving, that galvanism might lead to the cure of the deaf
and dumb. How kindly has Nature implanted in our minds a
disposition to cherish hope, even on the slightest foundation! It is
this which gives a zest to all our pursuits, which supports us in
illness, in affliction, and in sorrow; and no man really ceases to be
happy, till he ceases to hope.
I did not know, at the time, what I have since learnt, and which, if
true, renders the circumstance still more singular—I mean, that
some deaf and dumb persons have been actually restored to the
senses of hearing and speaking, by the power of galvanism. This is
said to have taken place in some part of Germany, I believe at
Vienna; but I only give it as a report.
At the second meeting, I saw Massieu taught, also for the first
time, stenography, or the art of short-hand writing. After the
common principles had been laid down by the written instructions of
the master appointed to give him this lesson, the abbé Sicard
desired Massieu to define the art which had just been explained to
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