﻿106 Notice of Dr. MantelVs Medals of Creation. 



tology, or the science which treats of the fossil remains of the 



ancient inhabitants of the globe, as shall enable the reader fully 



to comprehend the nature of the principal discoveries in modern 



geology, and the method of investigating natural phenomena, 



by which such highly interesting and unexpected results have 

 been obtained," 



" Secondly, to assist the collector in his search for organic 

 remains, direct attention to those objects which possess the high- 

 est interest, and are especially deserving of accurate examination, 

 instruct him in the art of developing and preserving the speci- 

 mens he may discover, and point out the means to be pursued 



for ascertaining their nature and their relation to existing animals 

 and plants." 



" Thirdly, to place before the student a familiar exposition of 

 the principles of paleontology, based upon a knowledge of the 

 structure of vegetable and animal organization ; excite in his 

 mind a desire for further information, and prepare him for the 

 study of works of a far higher order than these unpretending 

 volumes; and point out the sources from which the required in- 

 struction may be derived." 



The above quoted passages contain the author's own account 

 of his design. The following will explain his views as to the 

 use to be made of his work, according to the quaint but wise 

 advice contained in the following sentence of Lord Bacon, the 

 father of the inductive philosophy. 



"Some are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few 



to -be chewed and digested ; that is, some books are to be read 



only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some 



few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention." 

 Essays. 



To the tasting student, the author recommends "the perusal 

 of the introductory and concluding remarks of each chapter, and 

 of the general descriptions," reserving the work to be consulted 

 as occasion may require. It must be swallowed— that is, read, 

 but not curiously, by him who would form and understand a 

 collection of organic remains; but by the student who would 

 profit by it to the utmost, it must be diligently studied and digest- 

 ed. Organic remains must be studied, not only in the book, by the 

 figures and descriptions, but in situ in the rocks, mines, caverns, 

 and transported masses, and thus the labor will be rendered both 



