Numerical Divisions in Nature. 365 



much upon abstract reasoning, as upon the force of evidence 

 and assertion by which it is supported ; for no reason is as- 

 signed by Mr. Macleay, at least, for the prevalence of one 

 number rather than of another, if there be by Professor 

 Oken. 



It is necessary here to observe, that one of the most efficient 

 means which has been employed to support these opinions, 

 both in tliis country and abroad, forms the subject of the 

 work at the head of this article ; namely, the distinction be- 

 tween the affinities and analogies of animated beings. Since 

 much of the evidence which has been adduced in favour of 

 the doctrines in question depends upon a due understanding 

 of the ideas expressed by these two words, it is proper that 

 their respective value should be attached to each. It is assumed 

 that the first systematic division of which beings are sus- 

 ceptible is into two series, agreeing with each other in 

 general circumstances, and being, in analog^/, the component 

 parts of each series according in particulars and being 

 in affinity with each other. The relations of analogy are 

 ideally represented by two lines running parallel with each 

 other; and those of affinity, which Mr. Bischoff calls tran- 

 sition, by circles connected with each other in inextricable 

 entanglement. Such is the distinction attached to these 

 terms by those writers who use them : how far such ideas 

 may be vague, or susceptible of strict application, may not 

 perhaps be quite so evident. As we presume that, however 

 mystically they may be explained, their plain meaning is, 

 that analogy signifies remote affinity, and affinity, immediate 

 analogy, it does seem to us, that cases must be con- 

 tinually occurring in which the terms are convertible, and 

 that their value must be altogether influenced by contingent 

 circumstances. Thus, for example, the genera Berberis and 

 Bocagea are, we presume, in analogy if considered with 

 reference to Berberideae, and Anonaceae, but in affinity if 

 viewed as a part of Thalamiflorae ; so again Aroideae and Aris- 

 tolochiae, are in analogy with respect to Monocotyledones 

 and Dicotyledones, but in affinity as to Vasculares. Such, 

 however, is the distinction upon which much of the truth 

 of numerical divisions in nature depends ; but that we may 

 not intentionally misrepresent the matter, we will give a 

 definition from Mr. Fries. 



*' Jffinia igitur sunt quae in eadem serie sequuntur, et in 

 se invicem transire videntur. Haec in ulterioribus con- 

 gruunt, sed in citerioribus rationibus differunt. Analoga 

 autem dicimus quae in diversis seriebus locis parallelis posita 

 sunt et sibi invicem correspondent. Syst, myc. 1. xvi." 



