INTRODUCTION. 9 



once established ( 55). Hence, the Comparative Anatomist 

 may be said to prepare the cement by which the materials fur- 

 nished by the Collector are to be united together. But the 

 arrangement and combination of the whole is the work of the 

 Philosophic Zoologist ; whose department requires the exercise 

 of all the highest faculties of the mind, and whose work cannot 

 be perfect, unless he has obtained and mastered all the inform- 

 ation which has been accumulated by the labours of his associates. 

 Now it is possible to pursue each of these departments to a 

 certain degree independently of the rest ; and many have done 

 so with considerable success. But, on the other hand, the 

 success will be probably greater, in proportion to the amount of 

 the general knowledge of the whole subject, which is already 

 possessed ; and the interest of the pursuit, whichever department 

 of it may be undertaken, is also greatly enhanced. 



We have dwelt upon the opportunity which the study of 

 Natural History offers to almost every one for the promotion of 

 its purposes as a Science, because it differs from most other 

 branches of knowledge in these respects, that the objects it 

 embraces are almost illimitable in their extent, that our inform- 

 ation respecting almost every one of them is still very scanty, 

 and that there is, consequently, the most abundant opportunity 

 for every one to benefit mankind, by assisting in the collection of 

 materials for the extension of the Science, whilst obtaining 

 recreation and healthful employment for his own mind. And if 

 we consider the ultimate objects of Science, it must be acknow- 

 ledged that no more worthy motive for such pursuits can be set 

 before the mind, than that which is directly connected with it. 

 For its purpose is the discovery of those simple laws which are 

 the highest truths to which Reason (unaided by Revelation) can 

 conduct us, in regard to the character and dealings of the Creator. 

 Hence, in the pursuit of Science, if conducted in a right spirit, 

 we are guided by that simple love of Truth, which is, as 

 Sir H. Davy has beautifully observed, " in its ultimate and most 



