166 CLASSIFICATION. 



Different species, even in the same genus, sometimes differ 

 in their stems ; some being woody and others herbaceous. 

 Neither is the form of the corolla to be depended on ; even in 

 the most natural families of plants, we find flowers of different 

 forms, as in different species in the natural order Solaneae, 

 where the mullein is wheel-form, the tobacco funnel-form, and 

 the atropa bell-form. 



System of Linnaeus. 



We shall not now attempt to give a view of the system of 

 Linnaeus, as we are hereafter to consider it in detail. We in- 

 troduce it here merely to compare it with other modes of clas- 

 sification. The removing of plants which are nearly allied in 

 their natural character, to different classes, by means of any ar- 

 tificial principle of classification, ought as far as possible to be 

 avoided ; and although the system of Linnaeus, as you will find, 

 when we compare it with natural families, is not wholly free 

 from this confusion, it is much more so than any other which 

 has been invented. 



Although we do not now receive the method of Tournefort, 

 for practical uses, a knowledge of it may extend your views of 

 botanical science. When we accustom ourselves to take but 

 one view of a subject, we are in danger of acquiring a contract- 

 ed mode of thought. We are not to suppose that the system 

 of Linnaeus is entirely perfect ; but may well imagine that 

 men of science will arise, who shall discover principles now 

 hidden, and look back upon what they will call, the very im- 

 perfect state of our sciences. We should rejoice that the hu- 

 man race is thus destined to a degree of improvement beyond 

 our highest powers of calculation. 



" What should we think of a savage, if, in the pride of his 

 ignorance, he was to conceive his own thoughts and feelings to 

 be the noblest of which the human intellect is capable ? And 

 perhaps even the mind of a Newton, is but the mind of such a 

 savage compared to what man is hereafter to become."* 



The system,f of Linnaeus has already in its principal features 

 been laid before you, in the views of artificial classes and or- 



* Brown. 



t System differs from method in having but one single primitive character, 

 and in founding its principal divisions upon the consideration of only one single 

 organ or principle. Linnaeus founded his system upon the consideration of 

 the stamens as more or less numerous, upon their proportion, connexion, and 

 their absence. Newton founded his system of Natural Philosophy upon at- 

 traction. The vital principle is the foundation of all systems of Physiology. 

 Method is not confined to the consideration of one character ; it employs all 

 uch as are conspicuous and invariable. 



System of Linnaeus not entirely perfect Advantages of taking different 

 views of a subject Human mind destined to progressive improvement Dif- 

 ference between system and method (see note). 



