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XXVI. Remarks relative to the affinities and analogies of natural objects, more parti- 
cularly of Hypocephalus, a Genus of Coleoptera. By Joux Curtis, Esq., F.L.S. 
| &e. óc. 
Read April 4, 1854. 
THE number of extraordinary new forms, which have been discovered of late years, has 
led to a great deal of ‘speculation regarding their position in the scale of nature. This 
has been exceedingly useful and instructive, although often very perplexing, and I fear 
that we not unfrequently take the shadow for the substance, mistaking analogies for 
affinities. The curious, indeed wonderful insect, which Mr. White exhibited and com- 
mented upon at a recent meeting of the Linnean Society, will be my apology for offering 
. any remarks upon the subject. 
The affinities of natural objects have been supposed to form a chain, a net, or a series 
of circles, the last composed of certain definite numbers of types, &c. These ingenious 
systems have been ably discussed by talented men*, but they have not made a lasting 
impression, owing probably to the multitude of exceptions that occurred and the gratuitous 
assumptions necessary to fill up the vacuum occasioned by absent members. We all 
know that “the Natural System” has been long an object of pursuit, which I expect we 
shall never overtake. The truth appears to be, that there is no perfect natural system, 
according to our limited notions; and it will be a stumbling-block to those who think 
otherwise, to find that where a few links are forthcoming, which unite certain groups, 
there are a vast number more discovered, which disturb what promised to be with 
fewer materials a complete arrangement. Thus we have lines broken, circles not meeting, 
most curious types presenting themselves to augment infallible numbers, and to be dis- 
missed by the theorist as inconvenient intruders. No doubt there is a plan in Creation 
which is not revealed to us; but to study, write upon, and understand a subject, we must 
form a system (imperfect though it be), in order to methodise and arrange our materials 
as they are collected; and to accomp ish this, we must be contented with chains which 
are continuous, of unequal lengths, either running entirely parallel, or converging, or 
diverging, but forming Stirpes or Families which harmonise, are easily comprehended, 
and exhibit various lines of relationship or resemblance. — ~ ! dnm 
In searching for a natural system, we seek for perfect unity or harmony, which being 
frequently interrupted, we fail in our object, and are disappointed. No doubt harmony, 
: "roa T ‘on: but it is manifest that there are also disturb- 
having a divine origin, pervades all creation ; bu ad 
ing forces which interfere with that first principle. Even pre 6 : = A es, 
; i irs in 
comets in their eccentrie course seem to us dest ed to ek RA m p ide 
perfect harmony. In this Planet which w inhabit, we have abundant evidence, probably 
* Vide the Essays of MacLeay, Horsfield, Vigors, Swainson and Newman. ig 
