Review of the Development of Natural History as a Science. 81 



We hardly know which to admire most, this discovery, or the system 

 of comparative anatomy, resulting from its application. Both may be 

 considered as eras in the study of the sciences. Neither were received 

 at first with absolute credit. The first met with much opposition, but 

 time has fully verified the conclusions of Cuvier, The system was too 

 short and simple for those naturalists, who, like some at the present 

 day, have such a fondness for classification, that they overlook great 

 natural laws underlying the construction of animals, and fimcyiug they 

 see in some peculiarity or abnormal form a new species or principle, 

 forthwith make divisions and subdivisions ad infinitum. 



The views of Cuvier, Avhich have withstood successful criticism for 

 nearly three quarters of a century, lead us to draw the following con- 

 clusions : First, that Cuvier's four classes embrace all known animals ; 

 Second, that there is thought and harmonious law as the basis of all, 

 the whole directed by one will — the Creator ; and Third, that the num- 

 erous divisions of the four great groups mentioned, such as classes, 

 orders, families, genera, species, and the subdivisions of these, to be of 

 value, should be formed in accordance with characters expressed in 

 nature. Otherwise, they are artificial distinctions, tending to lead us 

 away from what we seek, and that which is the basis of all science — 

 the tridh. 



Another great discovery, hardly less important than those men- 

 tioned, was that of Yon Baer, in embryology, i. e., the fiict that all 

 animals are produced from the egg, and though alike at first, grow to 

 maturity on four diflerent plans. Embryology is yet in its infancy. 

 Agassiz made some of his greatest discoveries in this science, and it 

 furnishes one of the most attractive and promising fields open to the 

 explorer. 



I have now pointed out some of the great epochs of natural history, 

 barely stating prominent facts, omitting, from necessity, details con- 

 nected with its growth, and names that have become distinguished in 

 its development. Its history, for fifty years, has been that of rapid 

 progress. In common with all other branches of knowledge, it has 

 had its eras of brilliant achievements. But the latter part of the last, 

 and the beginning of the present century, were particularly marked 

 by great discoveries. It has been said, that after revolutions the 

 intellectual vigor of nations is always quickened. It was so in Ger- 

 many, France and the United States. 



This country has been honored in being the adopted home of one 

 man, who, by his labors and discoveries in natural history, his sim- 

 plicity and greatness of soul, has done more for the science than any 

 mau'since Cuvier. The present century has produced hosts of distin- 



