 He then published at his own expense a history of the collection and description, as newly rearranged according to historical principles, in 1838 All this led to his being named curator of the Cabinet in 1842.At the age of 18, he put on his first play, titled "Arlequin perruquier, ou Les Têtes à la Titus", a critique of the fashions and mores of the day, and soon began supplying the "théâtres de boulevard".In two years, he wrote no less than 18 plays, including "L'Ange et le diable" in 1799 (a 5-act drama which was produced more than 5 times, a remarkable number for that era).