576 Medicine, [Chap. IV* 



others of distinguislied reputation, who were em- 

 ployed in the investigation of the absoi'bent sys- 

 tem. Daubenton and Vicq-d'-Az} r, the dissections 

 made mider the orders of the lloyal Academy of 

 Sciences of Paris, Spalhmzani of Italy, Camper 

 of Holland, the late extensive and systematic work 

 of Mons. Cuvier, w^hich exhibits the dawn of an 

 improved arrangement, and a great number of the 

 most eminent zoologists of the age, have strong 

 claims to be commemorated in a review of the com- 

 parative anatomists of the eighteenth century*. 



In concluding this brief survey of the subject, it 

 may not be improper to remark, that far less re- 

 mained to be done in anatomy, at the commence- 

 ment of the late century, than in any of the other 

 branches of medicine. The leading principles of 

 the science had been chiefly ascertained and settled 

 by the industry and perseverance of preceding ages. 

 And the greater part of what was left to be accom- 

 plished consisted in a superior lulness, accuracy, 

 and minuteness of description, more elegance of 

 d«-hneation, more neatness and variety of prepa- 

 rations, and a progressive hnpro\ement in the arts 

 of dissection and demonstration. It is evident, that, 

 in all these respects, a considerable progress has 

 been made w ithin the period under review. 



•* In adilltiun to tlie above-mentioned works and names, it may 

 not be improper to subjoin the following comparative anatomists, 

 selected from a great number. Fragments of the Curieux de la 

 Nafure; the collections of Blasius and Valentinij da Verney, 

 Collins, Stnbbs, Cijkinan, and Home, on quadniptds and birds ; 

 Charas, Roesel, and Fontana, on reptiles; Artedi, tlie Gouans, 

 and r.rou8.sonet, unjishes ; Reaumur, the Geoffroys, Bonnet, and 

 Ly(j!K't, on insects; and Kllis;, Donati, Trembley, Baker, Baster, 

 Bohadich, Forskal, Adanson, Mueller, Fallas, and Dicquemar(?, 

 on vjorm'^i zoophytes ^ dud polype.^ . 



