Shifting Ambitions in Science

It was very different, when the masters of the science sought immortality and power; such views,

although futile, were grand: but now the scene was changed. The ambition of

the inquirer seemed to limit itself to the annihilation of those visions on which my interest

in science was chiefly founded. I was required to exchange chimeras of boundless grandeur

for realities of little worth. Such were my reflections during the first two or three days

spent almost in solitude. But as the ensuing week commenced, I thought of the

information which M. Krempe had given me concerning the lectures.

And although I could not consent to go and hear that little conceited fellow deliver sentences