Vol. XVI. No. 9— Botanical Gazette — Sept., 1891. 



i 



The Future of Systematic Botany. 



JOHN M. COULTER. 



In his presidential address before the Biological Section of 

 the British Association, in September, [888, Dr. W. T. Thfsel- 

 ton-Dyer closed with the following words: 



14 At the bottom of every great branch of biological inquiry it has never been 

 possible to neglect the study of plants; nay more, the study of plant-life has 

 generally given the key to the true course of investigation. Whether you take 

 the problems of geographical distribution, the most obscure points in the 

 theory of organic evolution, or the innermost secrets of vital phenomena, 

 whether in health or disease, not to consider plants is still, in the words of Mr. 

 Darwin, ' a gigantic oversight, for these would simplify the problem. ' " 



If this broad claim be true, a botanical theme is an emi- 

 nently appropriate one to present to a Biological Section. In 

 the opinion of many, however, all kinds of botanical work are 

 not equally bound up in the bundle of biological inquiry. It 

 is for this very reason that I have selected as my subject "The 

 Future of Systematic Botany." 



I know that it is unscientific to deal with the future, 

 although our knowledge of the past and present becomes 

 especially fascinating when we begin to turn it into prophecy. 

 Moreover, upon occasions like this, it is more customary to 

 review and sum up actual knowledge than to cast th 

 horoscope of the future, although the latter is far easier. 

 But, setting aside the custom of presenting either an interest- 

 ing bit of research or a summarized view of information con- 



cerning some attractive subject, I would invite your attention 

 to an ancient, and, to my notion, a much abused department 

 Oi work. It is perhaps well to say in the outset that the abuse 

 to which I refer is not only that inflicted by Gentiles, but also 

 ty Jews; for often one's' worst foes are those of his own 



Household. 



Hie ancient history of Systematic Botany i- too well 



known to this audience to need even brief repetition, especially 



s *nce the masterly sketch by Professor Sachs has found its 



Place in all our libraries. The names of illustrious systema- 



Is ts are household words, and their various •■ systems" form 



' Vice-1 'residential Address before Section I \ . A A A S ., Washington meeting, 

 \ugust l 9i 18 ,, 





