101 



AN INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY, 



IN ILLUSTRATION OF THE ZOOLOGICAL DEPAKTMENT OP THE MUSEUM OF 

 THE BRISTOL INSTITUTION. 



( Concluded from p. 44. J 



In the present article we propose to ourselves two objects j first to exhibit 

 to our readers a general view, drawn up in tiie form of Synoptical Tables 

 of the principal facts connected with the Physiology of the several animal 

 functions, as these vary in the various classes of the animal kingdom, cal- 

 culated to illustrate and to bring more conveniently beneath the eye, the 

 points we have already endeavoured to explain in tlie introductory memoir 

 on Zoology in our former number. And secondly, to point out, as an object 

 of very important local interest, the means which the museum attached to 

 the Bristol Institution, affords to the inhabitants of that neighbourhood, of 

 studying the subject, as alone it can be studied effectually, by the examina- 

 tion of actual specimens. 



With regard to the first object, our Synoptical Tables, they will, it is 

 trusted, speak sufficiently for themselves. In these tables, the names of 

 the principal classes of the animal kingdom occupy the first column, and 

 the succeeding columns are devoted to the several functions : — 1. Diges- 

 tion j 2. Absorption of Chyle j 3. Aeration of the blood j 4. Circulation 

 throughout the system; 5. Muscles and Organs of Motion; 6. Nervous 

 System and Senses; 7. Reproduction; so disposed, that the great principles 

 concerning the physiology and organs of these functions in each class 

 of animals will be found in its proper column, and horizontally oppo- 

 site to the class of animals in question. All who have ever been accus- 

 tomed to study any complicated subject, where it is important that a well- 

 arranged comparative view of the facts to be examined should be present 

 to the mind, must be well aware how powerfully, by the use of such tables, 

 the eye is made to assist the mental faculties ; facilitating in the first place 

 the exercise of its powers of apprehension, and then aiding those of memory, 

 in treasuring up the truths thus brought before them, with all the advan- 

 tages of a systematic method, which, to be understood, needs only to be 

 inspected. It is obvious also, that if at any time the memory requires to 

 be refreshed, the form adopted in these tables will best subserve the pur- 

 poses of instantaneous reference. In these tables, then, we hope we shall 

 afford to such of our readers as may be inclined to pursue the study of 

 Zoology, a very useful subsidiary compendium, such as may materially 

 assist them in following with more profit any larger work which they may 

 peruse, or any course of lectures whicli they may attend (and many such, 

 and of very high interest and value, have been delivered in the theatre of 

 our iustitution, especially those of Dr. Riley). We may here also add. 



