It is, however, not intended to extend too widely the privileges 

 which are thus assigned : nor is it intended unnecessarily to indulge 

 in the discussion of any collateral subjects. Indeed, the freedom with 

 which introductory matter was introduced in the former volume ren- 

 ders the necessity of such an encroachment less imperious in this 

 stage of my labours. In a work like the present, however, which is 

 intended to embrace all that is instructive and interesting in a science, 

 respecting which so little has appeared in this country, it cannot 

 indeed be objectionable to notice, occasionally, the more important 

 observations which have occurred to the zealous and well-informed 

 in other parts of the world ; and farther than this it is not intended to 

 wander. 



The history of the several animal fossils will be given with all the 

 care and precision which I shall be able to employ. But however 

 correctly their physical, their chemical, and even their geographic 

 characters may be given, little is accomplished, unless as close a com- 

 parison be made between the fossil and the recent animal, as circum- 

 stances will admit. This, it must be observed, must of necessity lead 

 to such observations on the habits and economy, as well as of the 

 chemical composition of the recent animal, as perhaps at first sight 

 might appear to be unnecessary. It is, however, presumed that this 

 extension of inquiry will not be found in any case to be employed 

 beyond the bounds which fair illustration may demand. 



It has been considered as very desirable, not only to ascertain the 

 animals from which the different fossil animal remains have derived 

 their origin ; but also to determine, as nearly as could be, the state in 

 which their remains were intended to exist, in the present state of this 

 globe. Hence, after having taken a slight glance at the original 

 animals, and examined the various changes which they have under- 

 gone; I shall endeavour to trace them into that state, in which they 

 appear to possess the highest degree of utility as fossil substances, and 

 in which they have obtained, comparatively, a permanent form. Thi& 



