A Philosophical Dictionary (Volume 2) - Softcover

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1824. Excerpt: ... account, of which the expenses were to be borne by himself. The proposal was so very advantageous, that it was not accepted. It was feared that he would not be able to accomplish it. Every abuse attempted to be reformed is the patrimony of those who have more influence than the reformers.* A circumstance no less singular is, that the Hotel Dieu alone has the privilege of selling meat in Lent, for its own advantage; and it loses money thereby. M. Chamousset proposed to enter into a contract by which the establishment would gain; his offer was rejected; and the butcher, who was thought to have suggested it to him, was dismissed.f Ainsi chez les humains, par un abus fatal, Le bien le plus paifait est la source du mal. Thus serious ill, if tainted by abuse, The noblest works of man will oft produce. CHARLES IX. Charles IX. king of France, was (we are told) a good poet. It is quite certain that while he lived his verses were admired. Brantome does not, indeed, tell us that this king was the best poet in Europe; but he assures us that " he made very genteel quatrains impromptu, without thinking (for he had seen several of them); and when it was wet or gloomy weather, or very hot, he would send for the poets into his cabinet, and pass his time there with them." * This, if not said, has doubtless been thought, even in Lincoln's-inn Hall. t In 1775, under the administration of M. Turgot, this ridiculous privilege of the Hotel Dieu was abolished, and replaced by an impost on victuals brought into the city. Before this, the people of Paris were under the necessity of having unwholesome and very dear food during the whole time of Lent. Yet some have ventured to regret this ancient usage ; not because" they thought it useful, but because it was a monument of the power which the clergy had too lo...