Vi PREFACE. 



vailed in the science of zoology in this country, and justify the 

 division of its history into two great eras, the general features 

 of which it may be proper here briefly to notice. 



The first of these periods in the history of zoological science 

 in Britain, may be denominated the Physiological Era. In 

 this golden age Willoughby, Ray, Lister and Sibbald con- 

 spicuously distinguished themselves. These illustrious indivi- 

 duals duly appreciated the value of anatomy as a guide in zoo- 

 logical inquiries ; and while they studied the forms of animals 

 in connection with their structure, they were not unmindful of 

 their functions and distribution. The whole extent of the ani- 

 mal kingdom occupied their attention, and they were induced to 

 collect materials from every quarter. But while thus engaged, 

 they were sedulous in the investigation of the productions of 

 their own country. The number of indigenous species which 

 they procured and described, is a proof of their diligence, and 

 enabled them to impart a degree of maturity to the British 

 Fauna at that early period, which is still calculated to excite 

 our admiration. 



The labours of these luminaries of the science in determining 

 the characters of British Animals, were preceded by the publi- 

 cation in 1667 of the " Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britanni- 

 carurrC of Dr Christopher Merret. This small work, which, 

 though it claims little more than the merit of a catalogue, exhi- 

 bits many proofs of great diligence, and rises in importance, 

 when viewed as a first attempt at the construction of a British 

 Fauna. 



The history of Mammiferous Animals was undertaken by 

 John Ray, and the results published in 1693, in the Synopsis 

 methodica Animcdium, Quadrupedtwi, et Serpentini generis. In 

 this work, the forms of the native species are described with much 

 accuracy, together with many interesting anatomical details. 

 Few opportunities had occurred to this author, or to his friend 

 Willoughby, of examining the Cetaceous species. This defi- 

 ciency, however, was well supplied by Sir Robert Sibbald, a 

 naturalist who, besides contributing greatly to the elucidation of 

 the productions of his native country by his Scotia Illustrata, sive 



