126 SYSTEM OF LINN^US. 



lies, is not wliolly free from tliis confusion, it is much more so than 

 iny other, which has been invented. 



Although we do not now receive the method of Tournefort for 

 practical uses, a knowledge of it may extend your views of botanical 

 science. When we accustom ourselves to take but one view of a 

 subject, we are in danger of acquiring a contracted mode of thought. 

 We are not to suppose that the system of Linnaeus is perfect ; but 

 may well imagine that men of science will arise, who shall discover 

 principles now hidden, and look back upon what they will call the 

 very imperfect state of our sciences. We should rejoice that the 

 human race is thus destined to a degree of improvement beyond our 

 highest powers of calculation. '• Wliat should we think of a savage," 

 says an elegant writer,* "if, in the pride of his ignorance, he was to 

 conceive his own thoughts and feelings to be the noblest of which 

 the human intellect is capable ? And perhaps even the mind of a 

 Newton, is but the mind of such a savage, compared to what man is 

 hereafter to become." 



The systemf of Linnaeus has, in its principal features, been laid 

 before you.l This system not only includes within it all known 

 plants, but is founded on such principles as must comprehend with- 

 m.it whatever plants may yet be discovered, Its author believed 

 that no plant was destitute of stamens and pistils ; but at the same 

 time, that there were species in which these organs were so small, 

 so obscure, of such a singular formation, as to render it difficult, and 

 sometimes impossible, to be certain of their existence, except by the 

 principle of analogy. Therefore, he made the two grand divisions 

 of plants, Fhenogamoits, such as have stamens and pistils visible, and 

 Cryptogammis, stamens and pistils invisible.^ 



You must not forget, that species, genus, order, and class, are 

 mere abstract terms, denoting certain distinctions which would 

 equally have existed, although we had never observed them, or given 

 them names. 



An Individual is an organized being, complete in its parts, dis- 

 tinct and separate from all other beings. An oak, a rose, and a 

 moss, are each of them individuals of the vegetable kingdom. 



A Species includes such individuals as agree in certain circum- 

 stances of the roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescence. We have no 

 reason to suppose that any new species, either of animals or vegeta- 

 bles, have been produced since the creation. We sometimes see 

 varieties in plants made by cultiyation ; the stamens and pistils, from 

 excess of nourishment, expanding into petals. Varieties are also oc- 

 casioned by strewing the pollen from one species, upon the stigma 

 of another ; but such plants do not produce perfect seed, and there- 

 fore cannot reproduce themselves. Colour, taste, and size, are not 

 considered as marks of specific difference. 



* Dr. Thomas Brown. 



+ System differs from method in having but one smgje primitive character, and in 

 foundmg its principal divisions upon the consideration of only one single organ or 

 principle. Linngeus founded his system upon the consideration of the stamens aa 

 more or less numerous, upon their proportion, connexion, and their absence. Newton 

 founded his system of Natural Philosophy upon attraction. The vital principle is the 

 foundation of all systems of Physiology. Method is n9t confined to the consideration 

 of one character ; it employs all sucji as are conspicuous and invariable. 



t See Part I, page 24. 



§ Mirbel believes there are §ome plaints absplutely destitute of stamens and pistils j 

 these he calls agamoug. 



Advantagesof taking different views of a subject — Human mind destined to pro- 

 gressive improvement— What is the difference between system and method ? See note 

 •—What is said of the system of Linneeus — The terms species, genus, &c. — What is an 

 iadividual?— What is a species? 



