S INTllODUCTOKY REMAKKS. 



Natural Geucra on the principle employed by ]\Icssrs. Denis and 

 SchiefFermiiller, I have now to refer to another work which opened 

 a new view to my study of Zoology generally, and especially of En- 

 tomology, — the " Hora) Entomologicas " of William Sharp Macleay, 

 Esq. ; and I consider it a fortunate coincidence that this work made 

 its appearance about the period of my arrival in England, and that 

 my attention was early directed to it, — the first part having been 

 published in 1819, the second in 1821, — while I was engaged on 

 the provisional arrangement of the Lepidopterous Insects in the 

 Company's Museum. 



In this work, Mr. Macleay has sketched a plan, according to 

 which the whole animal kingdom forms one natural group. In ex- 

 planation of his system, he brings into one view almost all that is 

 recorded by Zoological authors, both ancient and modern, in order 

 to illustrate his theory. It is, in fact, an epitome of Zoology, and the 

 study of it will greatly benefit the Zoologist and the Entomologist, 

 whether he adopts or rejects his views. It is the production of an 

 original mind, and may be justly considered as one of the most 

 important contributions of late years to the Philosophy of Natural 

 History. 



Without attempting an analysis of the work, I shall briefly state 

 those points which have a reference to this Catalogue. 



First. The sentiment which pervades this work, impressing in 

 the strongest manner on the student and the cultivator of Natural 

 History, the paramount importance of the maxim of Linnaius : 

 Methobus naturalis est ultimus finis BcJtanices. 



Secondly. The clearness with which relations of Affinity and 

 Analogy observable in different groups of subjects of Natural 

 History, both animal and vegetable, are propounded and explained. 

 This law was discovered by Mr. Macleay in 1819, in studying 

 Lamellicorn Insects ; and was subsequently more fully discussed 

 and elucidated in an Essay contained in the fourteenth volume of 

 the Transactions of tlie Linnasan Society,* chiefly with reference 

 to a similar discovery made almost simultaneously by Elias Fries ; 

 Griphiswaldia), 1821, but without any communication or inter- 



* Entitled, " Remarks on tlie Identity of certain General Laws which have been 

 lately ()l)scrvcd to regulate the Natural Distribution of lusocta and Fungi." By 

 AVilliaui Sharp Macleay, Esq. 



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