THE VETERAN VON HUMBOLDT.

The following is a translation of a letter from the veteran Baron Alexander Humboldt to Sir Roderick Murchison.

The death, of which it treats, was noticed in our Obituary last week.

"Berlin, March 4, 1853.

"That I should be destined--I, an old man of eighty-three --to announce to you, dear Sir Roderick, the saddest news that I could have to convey:--to you for whom M. De Buch professed a friendship so tender,--and to the many admirers of his genius, his vast labours, and his noble character!

Leopold De Buch was taken from us this morning by typhoid fever,-- so violent in its attack that two days only of danger warned us.

He was at my house so lately as the 26th [ult.], despite the snow and the distance between us,--talking geology with the most lively interest.

That evening he went into society; and on Sunday and Monday (the 27th and 28th) he complained of a feverish attack, which he believed to be caused by a large chilblain swelling from which he had suffered for years.

The inflammation required the application of leeches,--but the pain and the fever increased.

He was speechless for thirty-eight hours. ** He died surrounded by his friends,--most of whom knew nothing of his danger till Wednesday evening, the 2nd of March.

"He and I were united by a friendship of sixty-three years, --a friendship which never knew interruption.

I found him in 1791, in Werner's house in Freiberg, when I entered the School of Mines.

We were together in Italy, in Switzerland, in France,--four months in Saltzburg. M. De Buch was not only one of the great illustrations of his age,--he was a man of noble soul.

His mind left a track of light wherever it passed.

Always in contact with Nature herself,--he could boast of having extended the limits of geological science.

I grieve for him profoundly,--without him I feel desolate.

I consulted him as a master; and his affection (like that of Gay Lussac and that of Arago, who were also his friends) sustained me in my labours.

He was four years my junior,--and nothing forewarned me of this misfortune.

It is not at the distance of a few hours only from such a loss, that I can say more respecting it.

Pity me,--and accept the homage of my profound respect and affectionate devotion.

"Al. Humboldt.

"And my poor countryman Overweg, in Africa!--What a blessing to learn one day by means of the astronomer Vogel the magnetic condition of the interior of a vast continent!"