15 



ral physiological lectures he proposes to deliver, may not 

 only be compatible with the plan of the establishment, 

 but likely to contribute to its pros per ity, repecfully 

 submits his proposals to the consideration of the mana- 

 gers, trusting, that the circumstances above-mentioned, 

 together with the peculiarity of his professional educa- 

 tion, may justify him in venturing to address them.* 



The superficial natural history of animals, resting 

 upon the characters of their external form, is, unques- 

 tionably, a pleasing pursuit; the study of the struc- 

 ture and conformation of their internal organs, of the 

 duties, offices, or functions, those organs are adapted to 

 perform, may be fairly represented as a source of useful 

 entertainment, and as a study in which every individual 

 must feel some share of interest ; for what can be more 

 interesting to man than to know himself? than to survey 

 and compare his own organs with the corresponding 

 organs of the other classes of the animal kingdom? 

 Quadrupeds, birds, amphibious animals, fishes, and the 

 lower tribes of insects and worms ? A comparison, 

 throwing light upon his own human economy, and 

 showing the fair title he has to his rank in the creation; 

 as his organization establishes between himself, and all 

 surrounding nature, a more general connexion and 

 widely extended intercourse than can be enjoyed by any 

 other description of being ; and displays infinite good- 

 ness, consummate wisdom, and the magnificence of the 

 Creator in the grandeur of the work : contemplating 

 which, the soul, turned inward on itself, is impressed 

 with awe, gratitude, and admiration. 



The principles of structure may be demonstrated on 

 drawings, on models, and on engravings ; and it is pre- 

 sumed the explanations may be delivered with scrupu- 

 lous caution, so as not to give the slightest cause of 

 offence to the most delicate and refined audience. 



* Vide the annexed statement. 



