His superior intelligence was, however, sufficiently perceptible, even through the reserve under which it was veiled.

If the monks to whom the superintendence of the establishment was confided had understood the organisation of his mind, if they had engaged more able mathematical professors, or if we had had any incitement to the study of chemistry, natural philosophy, astronomy, etc., I am convinced that Bonaparte would have pursued these sciences with all the genius and spirit of investigation which he displayed in a career, more brilliant it is true, but less useful to mankind.

Unfortunately, the monks did not perceive this, and were too poor to pay for good masters.

However, after Bonaparte left the college they found it necessary to engage two professors from Paris, otherwise the college would have fallen to nothing.

These two new professors, MM.