of Buprestidae and Elateride. 195 
wal 
With regard to that series of families into which the division 
Sternoxi has been resolved, the constant verdict of modern au- 
thors is to the effect that the organs of the mouth are destitute 
of systematic value, and upon the whole are much reduced, 
which seems to mean that they are rather short and do not 
project much from the mouth (Lacordaire, Gen. des Coléopt. iv. 
21. pp. 95, 96,131). The same assertion is often made also with 
regard to other groups. Such a view, however, when properly con- 
sidered, i is always found to be erroneous ; for if the structure of the 
mouth really remains the same in an extensive series of animals, 
this fact is not valueless, but, on the contrary, affords a never-failin g 
indication of their near relationship. I say “ never-failing,” 
for in no case has it ever been found at variance with the testi- 
mony of the rest of the structure. If, then, the result of the 
investigation of the mouth is thought unsatisfactory, the fault 
lies in the preconceived views of the observer who rejects its 
testimony. It is the method of so many modern authors which 
leads to results inconsistent with nature; and if they find that 
the structure of the mouth is at variance with these results, it 
is said to be without systematic value, instead of tbat cireum- 
stance being accepted as a proof that the results obtained are 
erroneous. Authors are bent on distinguishing, and hunt after 
marks of distinction—for what? For those groups and divisions 
which are constantly being proposed on the strength of mere 
external and often accidental similarity in shape. Of course, 
the careful examination of every part of the animal accessible to 
the pocket magnifier, which constitutes the method of so many 
even of the best modern entomologists, does occasionally lead to 
the discovery of good and ial characters for classification ; 
but such a method has really only a limited claim to the name of 
natural method which it assumes. It approaches the natural 
system in many points, but it attaims merely a superficial contact ; 
it never penetrates the essence of the natural system. Much 
material is sifted and laid in store by that method ; but the scien- 
tific edifice of a natural system makes no progress. Not even the 
mere elementary task of procuring a survey of the material can 
be mastered by that method: the enormously complicated animal 
composition is much too intricate to be overcome by artificial 
classification ; it must be realized in thought and imagination 
in its unity and through all its ramifications. 
In order to appreciate properly the organs of the mouth, 
they, as well as. other animal instruments, must be regarded 
both in their own mutual relation and in their relation to all 
the other parts of the organism. In Buprestide their develop- 
14° 
