396 Illustrations of Nature, 



having hinted at those subordinate characters in which (although 

 they generally accord) they differ particularly among them- 

 selves, we proceed to illustrate their connexions. To assist in 

 explaining the alliances of the realms and reigns of nature, 

 and to reduce the scheme to a tabular form, the system of 

 nature, or the universe, may be represented by a sphere or circle, 

 which, on its analysis, will give so many constituent spheres or 

 circles, as there can be found kinds or grades of physical exist- 

 ence ; these lesser circles, being symbols of the first kingdoms 

 or realms of nature ; and, if our analysis be correct, they are 

 three, the metorganic, the organic, and the inorganic ; [vide 

 col. 1 and 2, and diagram 1] the circles partially containing each 

 other, will, on their analysis, furnish other subordinate circles, 

 which will be types of the several grades of existence con- 

 tained therein; [vide col. 3 and 4, and diag. 2] and the 

 analysis, on like principles, may be conducted until particulars 

 which are elements in nature be arrived at. 



Each, and all of the realms of nature, may thus be equally 

 developed ; but, as in the first stage we passed the metorganic 

 and inorganic realms, so, in like manner, in the second we 

 must leave the rational and vegetable reigns, merely observing, 

 that organic beings are of three grades, and that the rational 

 being, or man, is placed in that part of the circle of organiza- 

 tion which is contained in the metorganic or spiritual realm, 

 thus indicating that he hath the quality or characteristic of 

 that circle, superadded to his animal organization ; that vege- 

 tables, the least removed from inorganic matter, are placed 

 in that part of the circle of organization which intersects the 

 inorganic ; for in them is matter most predominant, they being 

 the chief eliminants thereof to the higher grades; and that 

 mere animals hold the intermediate rank; with these hints 

 we leave the extremes, and pursue the centre of the system, 

 drawing examples from the most familiar and best known 

 objects, vix., animals alone. 



Systematic naturalists have widely differed in the methodi- 

 cal distribution of the animal kingdom, from the enaima and 

 anaima of the Stagirite, to the more modern classification of 

 the Swede : but whether the presence and absence of blood, 

 the possession and non-possession of vertebrae, the progressive 



