171 



A PEW GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON NATURAL 

 HISTORY. 



There are few subjects, perhaps, capable of affording greater 

 interest than a consideration of the general and indefinable 

 link pervading and uniting the whole of the creation which 

 appears to connect every division of Natural History — though 

 the gradations are so fine and almost imperceptible, that it 

 is in some instances a task of difficulty to describe the exact 

 line of demarcation between the different species. 



It is not my intention to dwell long on the anatomy and 

 structure of the various genera, the Worcestershire Natural His- 

 tory Society* being so rich in able medical men, that the theory 

 of comparative anatomy in their hands would be scientifically 

 discussed and judiciously investigated; I will, therefore, en- 

 deavour, by the present slight sketch, simply to demonstrate the 

 gradual approximation or the general chain between the species. 



In adventuring so much, I confess my object is to induce 

 others of more commanding abilities to pursue the subject 

 further — I will only dwell on it, therefore, cursorily, and illus- 

 trate my observations with a few anecdotes. 



Man, created " a little lower than the angels," endowed with 

 reason, and dignified by the possession of "dominion" over the 

 whole of the glorious creation, stands pre-eminent amidst the 

 innumerable beings which now, in order and harmony, " replenish 

 the earth." Even in his fallen condition, still he retains the 

 boon of reason to direct his course according to the ordinances 

 of his Creator. Alas ! that such beneficence should, from the 

 deterioration in the human race, be so frequently misapplied ! 

 Crime again produced its punishment, and the deluge submerged 

 an offending world, with the exception of eight persons, who 

 alone heeded the awful warnings of the Deity. In process of 

 time mankind again became numerous, and the confusion of 

 tongues taking place, they gradually dispersed into different 

 regions and climates ; a change which produced singular altera- 

 tions in the manners, habits, complexions, and constitutions of 

 the human race. Civilization extended by degrees, and revealed 

 religion lent its all-powerful aid, wherever it was promulgated, 

 to assist its progress. 



It, however, appears that some climates are less favourable to 

 the developement of the human mind than others. This observa- 

 tion is strongly illustrated by the accounts given by Captains 



* The Literary and Scientific Institution is equally favoured in possessing 

 numerous highly-gifted members in the same profession. 



NO. III. Z 



