4- ^n IntroduEiton to 



able to all the fyftems of Botany which have 

 yet appeared, j. Becaufe of all thofe which 

 have been propofed, there is not one of them 

 which approaches fo near to a natural method 

 as this, moft of the claffes being very natural. 

 2. It is founded upon the parts of the plants, 

 which are the moft conftant, and leaft fubjedl 

 to variation, the ftamina and pointals, which 

 are the true organs of generation. 



Thefe are fimple and eafy to retain in me- 

 mory. The claffes are eftablifhed upon the 

 ftamina or male organs 5 the orders or fubdi- 

 vifions of the claffes upon the pointals or fe- 

 male organs ; and the genera upon all the 

 parts of the frudtification. All thefe parts be- 

 ing confidered according to their number, 

 their figure, their proportion, and their fitua- 

 tion, the fpecifick differences are taken from 

 the habit or external appearances of the plants. 

 Thofe who will take the trouble of examin- 

 ing this method, and comparing it with any 

 of the former, will be much better acquainted 

 with its excellence than words can explain it. 

 The author does not pretend to fay it is per- 

 fecS; the only natural method, if there is one, 

 fhould have an advantage of this, but in de- 

 fault of the laft, he endeavours to follow that 

 which approaches nearcft to it. 



Dr. 



