Cuvierian Natural History Society of Edinburgh. 409 



thing be ever introduced inconsistent with the rights of any 

 individual as a member of the republic of science, then the 

 glories of this now prosperous Society would fade, " Delenda 

 est Carthago" would be inscribed upon its walls, and a splendid 

 ruin would be all that remained to indicate its existence to 

 posterity. But, no ! " observed Mr. Lees, " I will not believe 

 for a moment that any member will seek to restrict its use- 

 fulness, or circumscribe its boundaries. We have gone on 

 without a check; let but unanimity, cordiality, forbearance, 

 urbanity, and, above all, a continued industrious persevering 

 application, proceed in every department of our pursuit, and 

 unlimited prosperity lies before us. Prosperity without a 

 check, prosperity without a stain, because our principles and 

 code of laws are such as to cast no stigma upon any order of 

 society, or inflict the slightest pang upon any individual. As 

 members of this Society, we have one common object, one 

 common aim in view, one common purpose, as coequal 

 workers, to fulfil. We honour all who lend us their aid ; and, 

 if no reward should ever wait upon our efforts, we may at 

 least console ourselves, on our dying pillows, that our humble 

 efforts have left behind us an institution tending to develope 

 the astonishing perfections of the great Designer of Nature to 

 succeeding generations, when our sleep shall be too profound 

 to be disturbed, but when we may, perhaps, be permitted 

 fondly to anticipate that, as the first friends of this Society, 

 our memories will not be entirely forgotten." 



The Cuvierian Natural History Society of Edinburgh, — The 

 progress of natural history is attested not more by the almost 

 daily publication of interesting works in promotion of this 

 science, than by the existence of the societies and museums 

 established by naturalists in various parts of the country. It 

 is one of these that I now notice. 



The Cuvierian Natural History Society, designated after 

 the illustrious Baron Cuvier, was instituted here [Edinburgh] 

 in October, 1833, by a few young men who wished to improve 

 themselves in the various branches of natural history. Since 

 that time it has gradually increased the number of its mem- 

 bers, and, countenanced, as it has been, by several eminent 

 and influential individuals here, little doubt is now entertained 

 of its entire success. 



The Society meets once a fortnight, and its business con- 

 sists in attention to communications and original papers on 

 natural science in all its departments. Every alternate night 

 is devoted to noticing any new discovery connected with 

 nature, or to any observations made by the members of the 

 Society during the preceding month, and conversation and 



Vol. VIII.— No. 51. ff 



