After Cuvier had presented to Buonaparte, in a Council of State, his
Report of the Progress of the Mathematical and Natural Sciences since
the year 1789, the Emperor expressed, in a very happy manner, the
satisfaction which he had received from the document. "He has praised
me," said Napoleon, "as I like to be praised." Cuvier, however, as he
himself said, had only invited the Emperor to imitate Alexander, and to
employ his power in promoting the advancement of the natural sciences.
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