the name of the greatest commercial house either in ancient or in modern times. The founder of the firm, Mayer Anselm Rothschild, was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main in 1743. The destiny of his early days was anything but propitious. His parents were poor, and of the despised Jewish race. They died when he was no older than eleven. After receiving a scanty education, he was set adrift in the world. The best position that he could for some time attain was a menial office in the employment of an Israelitish trader. But the commercial genius of Rothschild soon worked its own way. His mind took to the congenial study of the coins of different nations. He grew thoroughly versed in the relative value of the various monies. A banker of Hanover became impressed with his aptitude for business, and gave him a place in his office. There he succeeded so well that in 1780 he set up a bank in his native city. Rothschild now began to rise in his profession. His shrewdness, punctuality, and uprightness soon came to be remarked. Many matters of importance were entrusted to his care. In particular, William Landgrave (afterwards Elector) of Hesse, made him his banker. In that office he won general esteem by the able way in which he saved his patron's funds during the invasion of the French. Thus he laid the foundations of a great firm; and at his death in 1812 left to his sons a large fortune and a European fame. Of Rothschild's five sons, Anselm settled at Frankfort, Salomon at Vienna, Nathan Mayer at London, Charles at Naples, and James at Paris.

Nathan Mayer Rothschild, who was born in 1777, was the great continuator of the family reputation. About the time of his father's death he was fast extending the influence of the firm. The several branches of the house throughout Europe gave him a broad and secure basis for his operations. On this foundation his shrewd tact and prompt management erected a stupendous business. The whole Continent became pervaded with his financial transactions. Among other enterprises, he supplied with loans that great coalition of powers which overthrew Bonaparte. For such services Nathan Rothschild might have been rewarded with several honours and dignities; but he was modest, and till his death, in 1836, he remained content with the untitled name and honourable position of a merchant prince. His eldest son, Lionel Nathan, Baron de Rothschild, is at present one of the representatives for the city of London.