XIV PLAN OF THE WORK. 



ently prove (do they not ?) the total deficiency of 

 such a nomenclature, which is based on no philo- 

 sophical rule." (Annales des Sciences Nat. Few. 

 1832, p. HO, Note.) 



Another leading feature of this little work is 

 the avoiding of the hypothetical theories which 

 are successively following each other in Natural 

 History, and which often vitiate the most valuable 

 observations of talented men. It is not a little 

 singular, that, while these theories are in a great 

 measure banished from other sciences, they should 

 now reign as paramount in this department as 

 alchemy and astrology did in the dark ages. I 

 have not here any room for details ; but shall 

 merely refer, for a proof of my position, to two 

 works which have appeared within twelve months, 

 one published under the patronage of Government, 

 entitled " Zoology of North America," Part II., 

 in the introduction to which it is gravely suggested 

 that the doctrine of the Trinity may be corrobo- 

 rated by a Trinarian system of Animals ! ! ! the 

 other, professing to relate to insects, entitled 

 " Sphinx Vespiformis," 8vo., London, a tissue of 

 the most incomprehensible fancies I ever looked 

 into. 



The standard works upon insects, for those who 

 study philosophically, and look upon systems as 

 only a convenient aid subordinate to their inquiries, 

 are those of Aristotle, Redi, Malpighi, Valisnieri, 

 Swammerdam, Reaumur, Lyonnet, Lesser, Ray, 



