^40 Cuvier us a Naturalist. 



tures. After the complete development of individuals of both 

 sexes, the weights are almost the squares of the statures. 



The weights have varied, in the extremes, among individuals 

 regularly conformed, from 1 to 2, whilst the stature has varied 

 only from 1 to IJ. 



The inferior parts of the body are developed more than the 

 superior. In a child, the head is equal to a fifth part ; and in a 

 full-grown man, to an eighth of the whole height of the indivi- 

 dual. It appears, from a note at the end, that these propor- 

 tions vary a little among different nations ; but M. Quetelet, 

 who, in his preliminary observations, explains very well the im- 

 portance of these inquiries to the fine arts, does not appear to 

 have written this work purposely for them. The activity which 

 he has exhibited in his researches, make us beheve and hope that 

 he will resume them at another time. 



This little interesting work is terminated by data concerning 

 the weight of human bones, which belonged to individuals of 

 different ages, a very important subject in certain cases of legal 

 medicine. 



CUVIER AS A NATURALIST. 



By C. L, Laurilljrb, Conservator of the Cabinet of Anafomt/ 

 in the Museum of Natural History of Paris. 



The lives of the learned proclaim to us on every page, that great truths have 

 never been discovered and established, but by prolonged and solitary study, 

 constantly directed to a special object, and continually guided by a severe 

 and cautious logic. — Cuvier, El. Hist. * 



If men of superior genius had not appeared from time to time 

 .in the world, and imparted to society the energy of their own 

 minds, the latter would still have been in a state not far remov- 

 ed from infancy. After having provided for their most press- 

 ing wants, men would relapse into their natural indolence, and 

 make no effort to attain perfection ; and the state of ignorance 

 in which we find many nations at the present time, would still 

 have been the condition of the whole human race. But such 

 was not our destiny : it was the will of the Supreme Power that 

 our knowledge should be continually extending ; and, to attain 



• We recommend to our readers Mrs Lee*s interesting Biograj)hy of 

 Cuvier, lately published in one volume 8vo.— Edit. 



