Lynchburg Virginian

Absurdity of Titles.--We were struck with the following remarks introductory to a review of Cuvier's "Discourse on the Revolutions of the Globe." in a late number of the London Atlas. To the name of the author, on the title page, are added a number of titles, indicating the various honors that have been conferred on him by Sovereigns and learned Societies. The reviewer says:--There was no occasion to crowd the title page of this book with an enumeration of Cuvier's honorary distinctions ; it is bad taste, and reminds us of the fellow who wrote down in Dr. Johnson's Index, "Mr. John Milton." Cuvier's name is a talisman all over Europe ; it needs no embellishment ; all the titles in France cannot increase its fame, nor could the absence of court favors diminish its greatness. A man like Cuvier, who has won his reputation by the force of merit, can afford to sink his titles. We should never object to a display of stars and ribbons in the title pages of such men as the Marquis of Londonderry or Lord Thurlow ; but on Cuvier, they hang like meretricious ornaments on imperishable marble.