ABSTRACT
The noble institutions for the encouragement of science and philosophy, which for fifteen years flourished in Piedmont and Savoy, have spread an illumination over its inhabitants that cannot be quenched; and have awakened an energy never to be stilled into the dullness of their ancient existence. This observation is made in allusion to the prevalence of the French language in Piedmont, which left him, when he arrived at manhood, wholly ignorant of that beautiful tongue, to which he afterwards devoted himself with such ardour. The ancient system of Piedmont left the property generally answerable for all demands, without securing the first creditor from the future improvidence of the debtor,-priority of mortgage giving no priority of claim upon the estate. In virtue of these regulations, the Savoyards, being deemed foreign to Piedmont, were suffered to perish with want, while the Piedmontese could not sell their produce.
