FRANCIS WILLUGHBY. 39 



White-blooded animals. 

 Testacea, Crustacea, mollusca, insects. 



Under these genera he arranges in subdivi- 

 sions the various species of animals which he had 

 observed. 



The system is not considered as in any respect 

 perfect, much less as sufficient to supersede some 

 modern systems. It is chiefly remarkable as 

 being theftrst recorded attempt at system among 

 the Gentiles ; and 'thus, its merit would seem to 

 consist in its originality, unless we take heed to 

 the affirmation of some ancient Jews, that Aris- 

 totle had derived his knowledge of Natural His- 

 tory from Solomon, having seen some of that 

 monarch's treatises, and which some Jewish 

 writers of antiquity maintained to be extant in 

 their time under an Arabic translation.* 



Could it be shewn that the system ascribed to 

 Aristotle was suggested by his acquaintance with 

 any prior zoological arrangement, then his merit 

 would consist in the discernment which led him 

 either to select the arrangement itself, or in his 

 sagacity to improve on it ; if it was original, its 

 praise can only be duly awarded by those who 

 consider the immense difference which exists 

 between individual discovery and the capacity 

 of apprehending, and of improving upon, the 



* Ce qui me paroit tres sur, c' est que ce livre existe ; 

 il doit eontenir un ample commentaire sur les plantes et 

 les animaux de V Ecriture, et toute la doctrine de la 

 philosophie orientale. ~ SCHEUCHZEB. 



