in which the severity of the method and the clearness of the exposition seemed to vie with the
importance of the results, and, which excited in the mind of Ampère the most genuine enthusiasm.
The public, a few years later, were surprised to find a very profound chemist in the professor of
transcendental analysis in the Polytechnic School; but at that time nothing was known of the private
readings in the Place des Cordeliers in Lyons. On examining the matter closely, you will
find it rare, not to be able to discover in the lives of all men the thread, sometimes highly
attenuated, connecting the excellences and tastes of a riper age with the impressions of youth.
The marriage of Ampère took place the 15th Thermidor, in the year VII, (the 2d of August, 1799.)
The family of Mademoiselle Carron having no faith in the sworn priests, the only ones then
recognized by the civil law, considered it necessary to have the religious ceremony performed
secretly. This circumstance, as will be readily understood, made a profound impression on the mind
of the learned geometer.
Ampère, now enjoying the fullness of a happiness which alas was destined soon to end, quietly
divided his time between the pleasures of family and friendly intercourse and the direction of the
mathematical studies of his private pupils. The 24th Thermidor, in the year VIII, (8th of August
1800,) his happiness was increased by the birth of a son, who, though still young, ranks high among
the élite of French literary writers, and bears with distinction an illustrious
name.*
Our friend, now feeling the responsibilities of paternity, could no longer remain satisfied with
the precarious living derived from the position of a private teacher; and, obtaining the chair of
physics in the central school of the department of Aix, in the month of December, 1801, he repaired
to Bourg, with a sad and sorrowful heart at the separation from his family, being forced to leave
his wife, then seriously ill, at Lyons.
AMPÈRE’S MEMOIR ON PROBABILITIES.
The studies, plans, and investigations of M. Ampère up to this time had never been given to the
public, but remained confined to the limited circle of a few friends.
It seems unnecessary to make any especial exception of the two manuscript memoirs addressed to the
Academy of Lyons. Now, however, the young savant began to reveal himself to the public, and, as
might be expected, the first occasion was the discussion of a complicated and controverted question
of most difficult solution.
The vast field of mathematics embraces on one side abstract theories, and on the other their
numerous applications. In the last form they interest the generality of men in the highest degree;
whom we see, in all ages, seeking, suggesting, and proposing new applications, founded on
observations of natural phenomena or the necessities of every-day life, thus giving the mere amateur
the privilege of having his name honorably inscribed on the records of science.
* Since dead.
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