106 MEMOIRS OF 



class of nature *, M. Cuvier was necessarily 

 struck with the confusion of systems, their want 

 of conformity to the internal structure of animals, 

 and the heap of synonymes which multiplied 

 species to infinity ; and, as may be seen through- 

 out this work, accustomed from the earliest age 

 to entertain elevated views, and to practise me- 

 thod, it was absolutely necessary, even for his 

 own future convenience, that he sliould rid clas- 

 sification of the incumbrances which impeded its 

 advancement. The manner in which he accom- 

 plished this object, is displayed in the preface to 

 the first edition of tlie Ii6gne Animal, in the 

 most interesting manner, together with the as- 

 sistance he received from his colleagues, espe- 

 cially his brother, M. Frederic Cuvier, whose 

 observations on tlie teeth of mammalia were of 

 the greatest service to him in forming some of 

 his minor divisions. This preface well describes 

 the state in which he found the classification of 

 animals when he first undertook to free it from 

 its shackles, and is annexed to both editions. 

 Tlie great outlines of his system may be given 

 nearly in M. Cuvier's own words: — " There 



* One of M. Cuvier's most able assistants in the dissecting 

 department was M. Rousseau. 



