CHAPTER XV 



THE TEN FOREMOST MEN OF ZOOLOGICAL 

 HISTORY. THE RANK OF DIFFERENT NA- 

 TIONS IN BIOLOGICAL PROGRESS 



IT is a popular pastime to make out lists of the 

 foremost men in different lines of human achieve- 

 ment. In any subject it is natural to wish to settle 

 the question, Who were the great path-breakers? 

 It is a hazardous undertaking to attempt to designate 

 any particular number, and it would be wrong to 

 pretend, that there is an absolute standard upon 

 which the ten men of greatest distinction can be 

 selected. The formulation of such a tentative 

 group, for zoology, if not taken too seriously, will 

 serve some useful purpose. It will stimulate thought 

 and direct attention to some of the most eminent men 

 and to their contributions to zoological progress. 

 The point of view adopted will lead to divergent 

 results. Shall the foremost men be selected from the 

 standpoint of wide influence, or from that of intel- 

 lectual superiority of the individual and the quality 

 of his work? The former basis would give a different 



group from the latter. 



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