LINN&US AS A ZOOLOGIST 71 



of knowledge even unto death; which helped 

 to mould a second generation to carry on the 

 work of research; which affected more or 

 less deeply every student of nature in the last 

 quarter of the eighteenth century, and has 

 not yet spent all its force; that influence was 

 no trifling gift to mankind. 



The details of work accomplished by Lin- 

 naeus, as by each and every one of his suc- 

 cessors, fluctuate in value under the keener 

 scrutiny and more refined methods of those 

 who follow after. The fate of theories lies 

 in the lap of the Gods. 



But the spirit which inspired them; the 

 ardor which hands on the torch as the runner 

 sinks exhausted by the way; the devotion to 

 truth and disregard of self imparted by a great 

 teacher; and which shall endure while a human 

 mind and heart exist to cherish them these 

 are gifts immortal. 



