The Soul in Nature

THE LIFE OF H. C. OERSTED.

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

On November 7, 1850, a jubilee was held in honor 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 from the students of the University, as well as 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 for the old man, who, though in his seventy-third year, still retained youthful vigor both in body and mind. The king presented him with new honors, and by the influence of his friends, he received from the government a country residence near Copenhagen, which had been formerly inhabited by Oehlenschläger Adam Oehlenschläger (1779–1850), a prominent Danish poet.. A torchlight procession, conducted by the students who sang verses in his honor, 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 until the beginning of March 1851, when he was attacked by a cold, from which at first no serious apprehensions were entertained by himself or 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 March 9, 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 to the last proofs of affection and respect which were