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"On Triplosporite, an undescribed Fossil Fruit," published in the 

 Linnean Transactions in 1851. The pervading and distinguishing 

 character of all these writings is to be found in the combination of the 

 minutest accuracy of detail with the most comprehensive generali- 

 zation. No theory is propounded which does not rest for its founda- 

 tion on the most circumspect investigation of all attainable facts. 

 In perusing them, we are first struck with the evident completeness 

 of the investigation, and next with the wonderful sagacity with which 

 the ascertained facts are brought to bear upon the question at issue. 

 And these distinguishing qualities are equally obvious throughout 

 the wide range of objects treated of, whether in the anatomy, the 

 physiology, the classification, the description, the distribution or the 

 affinities of plants, and in the examination both of rece'nt and fossil 

 structures. Among the most important anatomical and physiological 

 subjects of which they treat, particular mention is due to the dis- 

 covery of the nucleus of the vegetable cell, and of the circumscribed 

 circulation on the walls of particular cells ; the development of the 

 stamina, together with the mode of fecundation in Asclepiadece and 

 Orchidece ; the development of the pollen and of the ovulum in 

 Phaenogamous plants, with the peculiarities of the latter in Conifera 

 and Cycadece, and the bearing of these facts upon the general sub- 

 ject of impregnation ; the origin and development of the spores of 

 Mosses ; and the discovery of the peculiar motions which take place 

 in the " active molecules " of matter when seen suspended in a fluid 

 under the microscope. Of structural investigations, the most im- 

 portant are those which establish the relation of a flower to the axis 

 from which it is derived, and of the parts of a flower to each other, 

 as regards both position and number ; the analogy between stamina and 

 pistilla ; the neuration of the corolla of Composites, their aestivation 

 and inflorescence ; and the structure of the stems of Cycadece, both 

 recent and fossil. To the study of fossil botany Mr. Brown was always 

 strongly attached, and with a view to its prosecution he formed an exten- 

 sive and valuable collection of fossil woods, which he has bequeathed 

 under certain conditions to the British Museum. His collections in 

 other departments were also considerable, and his library very extensive. 

 In private life Mr. Brown's character was thoroughly estimable. 

 Shrinking, with instinctive modesty, from all public employments, 

 whether professional or otherwise, which appeared to involve any- 



