1885.] XE\V YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 41 



Kegeiifuss, of Copenli.igen, enriciicd conchology with a large 

 folio in 1758, which embniced also the Crustacea. This is of 

 exceeding rarit3\ Sjjlendid works by Roesel and Edwards were 

 l^roduced. Trembley, a native of Genoa, made the famous dis- 

 covery of the reproductive powers of the fresh water polyps — 

 Memoirs, etc., Leyden, 1744. 



Just before the publication of the Linnfean System, tliere ap- 

 peared several French authors, of wliom Reaumur is conspicu- 

 ous. His work on insects is delightful in text as well as in other 

 features. 



Buffon now appears. His name is, probably, more familiar 

 to the people of tliis country tiian even that of Linnteus, as his 

 voluminous works are widespread wherever literature is known. 

 In all well-supplied libraries, a set of the numerous volumes of 

 Buffon are quite likely to be seen. All tliis speaks for the 

 author, in that he produced a history of natural objects that was 

 attractive and readable, at once charming in grace of composi- 

 tion, and sound in knowledge. Eminent as the author stands, 

 jet, had not the scientific aid of Daubenton been his privilege, 

 his works would have failed of tlie valuable feature that carried 

 true knowledge Avitli it. Bulfon's splendid talents of descrip- 

 tion, wove into golden threads, vivid and fascinating, the moi'e 

 attractive elements of his theme, and captivjited tlie entire read- 

 ing world. Eloquent and brilliant as he was, his lack of the 

 scientific spirit led him to perpetuate many of the extravagancies 

 and fanciful theories tliat had been handed down by the great 

 folios of antiquity. 



From this time, zoological lore was represented by the two 

 prominent writers Linnaius and Buffon, the former bearing the 

 ensign of true science, and the latter readily mustering the larger 

 class under tlie banner of a popular and fascinating dilettante- 

 ism. 



Artedi became an earnest disciple of Linnasus. Sulzer, adopt- 

 ing the Linnasan entomology, wrote on insects. Entomology was 

 now pursued with energy on the continent. The beautiful 

 works, in Dutch, of Sepp, on the "Insects of the Low Coun- 

 tries," reminds one of the magnificent volume of Salviani, de- 

 voted to fishes, whose copper plates have never been excelled. 

 At first glance, it may seem singular that such splendid works of 

 art should appear, when, long since their issue, there are extant 

 many others, by important authors, simply vile in the sense of art. 

 But we may reflect that such works as Salviani's and Sepp's were 

 brought out under the patronage of royalty, or wealthy eccle- 

 siastics of the day who were able to employ the great nuisters, or 

 their pupils, of the time. The best art the world has ever seen 

 in etching and copper i)late was thus secured to science. 



