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XXIII. On Systems an Methods in Natural History. By 
J. E. Bichého, Esq., F.R.S., Sec. L.S. 
Read June xs 1826. 
I propose to myself on the present occasion to make some ob- 
servations on Systems and Methods in Natural History ; a sub- 
ject of great importance at all times, but more especially so at 
present, when new views of arrangement and nomenclature are 
proposed, and to some extent adopted. Let me not be under- 
stood, however, in the general observations which follow, to be 
opposed to any particular system ; my object being to discuss 
the first principles of arrangement, and to leave others to judge 
how far they are applicable to the views adopted by any in- 
dividual systematist. 
It has appeared to me that the difficulties of the subject have 
not been duly appreciated; and the time cannot be unprofitably 
occupied, if I accomplish no more than to enable us to estimate 
them. It might even be suspected, from the readiness with 
which new systems are adopted, that they have a peculiar at- 
traction for ardent minds ; as it has not unfrequently happened 
that young naturalists have found themselves prematurely em- 
barrassed in a subject, which of all others requires not only an 
extensive acquaintance with the operations of the human mind, 
but long experience and various practice. The line of argument 
I propose to employ, must necessarily be somewhatabstract; yet 
I hope I shall be borne with, since the practical naturalist could 
VoL. XV. 3 Q make 
