128 REPORT—1840. 
ZOOLOGY AND BOTANY. 
On the true Method of discovering the Natural System in Zoology and 
Botany. By Hueu E. Srrickxianp, F.G.S. 
The object of this essay is to show that the true system of nature is 
not to be discovered by any @ priori or theoretical considerations, but 
solely by an inductive process similar to a geographical survey. As- 
suming the reality and permanence of species, the natural system is 
defined to be, the arrangement of species according to the degree of 
their mutual resemblances. These degrees of resemblance are to be 
estimated by the physiological importance of the points of agree- 
ment, combined with their numerical amount in the objects compared. 
It is these essential and important points of agreement which constitute 
affinity as distinguished from analogy. The method proposed is to 
take any one species A, and ask the question, “ What are its nearest 
affinities?” Those other species (whether one or many) which are 
closely and equally allied to A, are then to be placed on each side of 
it. We are then to take one of these latter species and ask the same 
question. By a repetition of this process it would be possible ulti- 
mately to survey and construct a map of the whole organic creation. 
And as in a map the physical surface of the ground is divided for con- 
venience sake into provinces and kingdoms, so may the species when 
so arranged in their true position be divided into families, genera and 
groups, which may themselves be mapped in the same manner as 
species. 
In following out this plan it will be found that species or groups do 
not form a continuous or linear series, but frequently ramify in various 
directions. It will be further found that they do not ramify according 
to any regular figure or numerical property, but resemble rather the 
irregular branches of a tree. The irregularity of the details of the 
natural system is maintained in this paper, and it is inferred that we 
are consequently unable to predict what species or groups may yet 
remain undiscovered. If this be true it follows that all those systems, 
whether linear, circular, quinary, or otherwise, which follow a sym- 
metrical and regular figure, must be, not natural, but artificial. Such 
systems possess certain practical advantages in the arrangement of 
museums, &c., which are incompatible with the inherent irregularity 
of the natural system ; but the latter is not on that account to be disre- 
garded or confounded with the artificial systems above alluded to. 
In further proof of the amorphous and unsymmetrical figure of the 
natural system, it is shown, 
lst. That the analogies of the external world, such as the positions 
of the fixed stars, the distances of the planets, the forms of mountains, 
rivers undislands, &c., indicate that amorphous variety, and not geome- 
trical or numerical symmetry, is the prevailing law of nature. 
Qnd. That as organic structures are created not for the purpose 
of being classed in museums, but for the discharge of certain offices 
