286 HISTORY OF BOTANY. 



that of the modern times, though in the one case it 

 is science, in the other, the absence of science, 

 which pervades all ages. The resemblance of the 

 form of their history arises from the diversity of 

 their materials. 



I shall not here dwejl further upon this subject, 

 but proceed to trace rapidly the progress of Syste- 

 matic Botany, as the classificatory science is usually 

 denominated, when it is requisite to distinguish 

 between that and Physiological Botany. My own 

 imperfect acquaintance with this study admonishes 

 me not to venture into its details, further than my 

 purpose absolutely requires. I trust that, by taking 

 my views principally from writers who are generally 

 allowed to possess the best insight into the science, 

 I may be able to draw the larger features of its 

 history with tolerable correctness ; and if I succeed 

 in this, I shall attain an object of great importance 

 in my general scheme. 



