PROGRESS OF SYSTEMATIC ZOOLOGY. 379 



tions respecting zoology in general which we are 

 led to make in consequence of statements recently 

 promulgated ; for these statements seem to repre- 

 sent the history of zoology as having followed a 

 course very different from that which we have just 

 ascribed to the classificatory sciences in general. 

 It is held by some naturalists, that not only the 

 formation of a systematic classification in zoology 

 dates as far back as Aristotle ; but that his classifi- 

 cation is, in many respects, superior to some of the 

 most admired and recent attempts of modern times. 



If this were really the case, it would show that 

 at least the Idea of a Systematic Classification had 

 been formed and developed long previous to the 

 period to which we have assigned such a step ; and 

 it would be difficult to reconcile such an early 

 maturity of zoology with the conviction, which we 

 have had impressed upon us by the other parts of 

 our history, that not only labour but time, not only 

 one man of genius but several, and those succeeding 

 each other, are requisite to the formation of any 

 considerable science. 



But, in reality, the statements to which we refer, 

 respecting the scientific character of Aristotle's 

 zoological system, are altogether without founda- 

 tion ; and this science confirms the lessons taught 

 us by all the others. The misstatements respecting 

 Aristotle's doctrines are on this account so import- 

 ant, and are so curious in themselves, that I must 

 dwell upon them a little. 



