350 Cuvier as a Naturalist 



The eminently philosophic mind of M. Cuvier is shewn in 

 all its extent, when he gives, in a series of lectures, an analysis 

 of the systems of ancient philosophers, and of the theories of 

 modern philosophers. Admitting with the peripatetic school, 

 and those of Bacon and Newton, that observation and experience 

 are the only guides in the study of the sciences, he eagerly con- 

 futes the efforts which the metaphysical schools have made to 

 connect natural phenomena with rational principles. He op- 

 poses himself with energy to the systems a priori^ which, as he 

 himself said of them, derive so few of their principles from 

 things, and shew so well that they have been devised to explain 

 the personal knowledge of their authors, and that facts insuffi- 

 ciently supported after the invention of a system, occupy as 

 prominent a part in that system as those which are certain. 



But there is another school, which, relying on facts, supposes 

 itself sufficiently numerous to be rallied under a single princi- 

 ple, which it conceives itself to have discovered. This principle 

 M. Cuvier has in like manner combated with all his power; 

 but the question having been greatly distorted, we conceive it 

 necessary to point out the error. For this purpose, we must 

 give a sketch of the philosophical ideas which are to be gather- 

 ed from all M. Cuvier's works. 



As each organ performs a part in the economy of an organ- 

 ized being, and serves more or less in developing the phenome- 

 na which this being presents, he was of opinion that each being 

 in like manner has a certain part assigned it in the economy of 

 nature ; that each was created for a definite purpose, and that it 

 received from the Creator all the means and instruments neces- 

 sary for fulfilling the end of its creation. He perceived in the 

 structure of organs so well calculated to appropriate to the uses 

 of individuals such of the physical properties of bodies as are 

 necessary to their existence, — in this great assemblage of beings 

 forming a chain of existences, which is perhaps as endless as 

 space and time, — the design of a supreme intelligence, which it 

 carries into effect by disposing all possible combinations of or- 

 gans on different plans. 



The partisans of the school of which we speak, without re- 

 garding the intention which appeared to M. Cuvier the most 

 important consideration of all, since it is by it that we can ap- 



