4* INTRODUCTION. 



present aspect of the science compared with what 

 it exhibited a century or two back, we can hardly 

 entertain a doubt on this point. And though we 

 may never attain to a complete knowledge of them, 

 they form as it were the main aim and object of the 

 science, to which the labours of the scientific natu- 

 ralist are ever directed, and to which at least he 

 makes a nearer advance, the more he investigates 

 the relations existing amongst the various matters 

 that present themselves to his notice. 



(2.) What has been said may seem, at first hear- 

 ing, to discourage the labours of a certain class of 

 observers, who take the greatest delight in watch- 

 ing nature, but who can never hope to undertake 

 any such investigations as those above alluded to. 

 It may be thought to subject them to the charge of 

 resting satisfied with first steps, without caring to 

 advance in the true path of scientific research. 

 This, however, is far from what is intended ; and 

 it is rather in especial reference to these persons 

 that the remarks we are about to offer will be 

 brought together. A man may never aim at be- 

 ing anything more than a mere observer, and yet em- 

 ploy his time usefully to others, as well as agree- 

 ably to himself. He may restrict himself to simply 

 noting and recording what falls under his own 

 autopsia* and unconsciously be laying the found- 

 ation of the most important generalizations. For 

 observation, though not itself the true end of the 



* This word was particularly used by White, to signify the 

 observing things for oneself and with one's own eyes. 



