66 MEMOIRS OF 



ing all in forcible and clear terms, neither saying too much 

 iior too little, commenting upon whatever is most remark- 

 able, viewing the affinities of these beings according to their 

 just value, and giving a model for methodical arrangement, 

 inasmuch as it approaches as nearly as possible to nature. 

 It must be observed, however, of the third volume, that as 

 the considerable increase of Entomology, in common with 

 every other branch of natural history, rendered it impossible 

 for one man, in a reasonable time, thus minutely to treat the 

 whole series of life, M. Cuvier called, in the assistance of M. 

 Latreille for that part of the work which relates to Insects 

 and Crustacea; but where the reader will find those enlight- 

 ened views, and that beautiful method, which is every 

 where practised by his great colleague. " The principles 

 on which M. Cuvier's divisions rest, will necessarily preside 

 over all the changes which still more extended observation 

 will render indispensable ; but the basis of zoological classi- 

 fication is for ever laid, and its solidity will prove, better than 

 all the discourses of future naturalists, the elevated genius 

 of the author." * 



The galleries of stuffed animals at the Jardin des Plantes, 

 containing thousand of species, are all arranged according 

 to the sj^stem of the above series, the writer of which desired 

 no better than to lay before the world the reasons on which 

 he founded it, and to give at the same time an equal oppor- 

 tunity for correction and admiration. Among the speci- 

 mens there placed, are those, which he amassed for the la- 

 bour I have next to describe, many of which he had dissect- 

 ed with the most minute attention, and which increased 

 this part of the collection to the amount of nearly five thou- 

 sand species. 



The great work on Ichthyology contains an application oi 

 M. Cuvier's principles to one peculiar branch of natural 

 history, and was not only intended by him as an example 

 of the extent of which such an undertaking is capable, but 

 served the double purpose of aiding his further researches 

 among fossil fishes. It was announced by himself in the 

 conclusion of that on Fossil Remains, in the following 

 terms: "I shall now consecrate the remainder of my time 



* Laurillard. 



