Thorax in winged Insects. 147 
From what I have seen of this work, which for some reason or other has 
been interrupted, * there is enough to shew that its author possesses one 
of those generalizing minds which can stamp a value on the most trivial 
observation by the philosophical manner in which they link it with 
others so as to form a complete whole. Such persons indeed are said to 
make natural history too abstruse and difficult, but it will only be so to 
the indolent; and the holy friars of natural history can continue to amuse 
themselves with Linneus, or if they please with Goldsmith, nothing being 
required of them but to learn not to interfere with others who attempt to 
know a little more than themselves. M. Audouin’s Researches are as 
strictly those of a naturalist as the Mémoires of M. Chabrier are those of a 
physiologist. Both works are admirable in their way, and must make 
any person who studies the subject most anxious for their continuation. 
The last work in point of date is the third volume of Messrs. Kirby and 
Spence’s Introduction, t a work perhaps not quite so original as those 
mentioned above, but certainly most creditable to its author,t who treats 
therein of the external anatomy of insects at great length, and gives a 
tolerably able nomenclature of parts. The merits of my venerable 
friend’s work, however, are unfortunately shaded by an almost total 
neglect of generalization, and by an obvious ambition to change the 
“‘ Lundi 19 Fevrier 1821, par M. Le Baron Cuvier, sur un Ouvrage de M. 
“ Victor Audouin ayant pour titre “‘ Recherches Anatomiques sur le Thoraa, &c.”’ 
The several parts of the Thorax are described, figured, and named in this 
Report, which must of course establish the date of M. Audouin’s Nomencla- 
ture. 
* In expressing myself thus, allowance must be made for the uncertainty 
and delay with which I obtain works of science in Cuba. It is possible that 
M, Audouin has followed up his Researches on the Anatomy of the Insect Ske- 
leton without my being aware of it. 
+ The last two volumes of this useful work were published in 1826. The 
chapter on Orismology, in the fourth volume, is more particularly valuable, and 
making allowance for the nomenclature of parts, deserves the special attention 
of entomological students, 
1 See the Preface to the concluding volumes of the work, from which it appears 
that we must attribute the labour of the latter volumes in a more especial mans 
ner to the learned author of the “ Monographia Apum Anglia.” 
K 2 
