152 The Ohio Naturalist. [Vol. II, No. 2, 



other realms, knowledge of which has been dependent on knowl- 

 edge of the routes by which they ma}' be reached. 



Thus structure must be known to understand function, and 

 function known enables us to interpret structure. Evolution 

 could not be demonstrated until after there had been gathered 

 the necessary materials to show relations of different organisms, 

 past and present. But, evolution known, and vast arrays of 

 structure become intelligible. Without the knowledge of organic 

 distribution no laws of distribution could be framed, but without 

 the explanation of distribution afforded by evolution the facts 

 are an unmeaning puzzle. So, too, without an effort at syste- 

 matic arrangement of plant and animal forms no fundamental 

 law of relationship could have been discovered, but given a law 

 of relationship and systematic biology assumes a totally different 

 aspect. Recognition of the multitudinous forms of nature are 

 but one step then in the presentation of the vast concourse in 

 their proper relations. 



No doubt biologists will persist till every form of life has been 

 adequately described and some means of designating it adopted. 

 So much may be expected from the enthusiasm of the systemat- 

 ist. Some centuries of effort must, of course, be expected to 

 elapse before the task is done. But it is evident that the modern 

 biology is much less concerned in the mere recognition of these 

 innumerable forms of life, these remotest expressions of the force 

 of evolution, than in the gaining of some adequate conception of 

 their relations, the forces of adaptation that have fitted them for 

 their particular niche in the realm of nature, their relation to the 

 other organisms with which they are associated and which con- 

 stitute for them a source of support or a menace to existence. 

 That is, modern biology concerns itself not only with the elements 

 of structure in the organism, with the means it has of performing 

 its varied functions with the aggregate of individuals which con- 

 stitute its species, but goes on to its relations to all the influences 

 and forces which have made it what it is and which sustain its 

 specific existence. Less tlian this is too narrow a view of the 

 province of biology. Here is unlimited scope for the student who 

 pursues knowledge for love of knowledge. 



As an inspiration to the general student the field of biology has 

 always held an important ]:)lace, and in these modern times its 

 fascination is as potent as ever. Men have attacked the problems 

 of life from many different viewpoints with greatly different aim 

 and great difference in preparation and method in their work. 

 Some of these have sought merely for inspiration for literary 

 effort, l)ut so far as their records have been exact and truthful 

 they are contributions to science, when mixed with " vain imag- 

 inings" they become literature and not science, although their 

 right to rank here may depend on literary m.rit. Kvery grada- 



