Mr Bicheno's Paper on SyRtems and Methods, 415 



laws oxaniined before they are adopted, and as it is the duty of every 

 lover of truth to sift them well before he allows them to pass current, I 

 have judged that you would not be displeased if I, although from a very 

 remote quarter, should return them to you for a little amendment. You 

 know that the days of demigods and despotism in science have for ever 

 gone by, and that by publishing your " principles,'''' you stipulated for 

 criticism. 



Your object may possibly be to clear the way for the reception of a 

 system of your OAvn, for I observe that you find fault both with 

 the Linnean and Jussieuan schools of Botany, although you appear 

 to prefer the former. I observe, also, that no system of Zoology 

 hitherto propounded, meets with your approbation. You have, 

 therefore, with just confidence, taken a wide range for your " first 

 " principles of arrangement," and I assure you I shall be glad to hear 

 that your talents are employed in the application of them to observed 

 facts. You must indeed be aware that such an application of your prin- 

 ciples will tend more to give them weight in the eyes of Naturahsts than 

 your most abstract reasoning or profound metaphysics ; however to 

 slight these last may argue the height of folly. It really, however, ap- 

 pears to me high time now to let every one have his own way in Natural 

 History ; and in the spirit of toleration to let the Linnean enjoy his 

 twelve words, colons, and specific differences, while you publish your 

 asterisk system, and the obstinate heretics continue to wallow in the mire 

 of natural groupes and subdivisions. Persecution, I fear, only serves to 

 wed these last unfortunate wretches to their guilt, and, moreover, is per- 

 fectly useless trouble, inasmuch as we may be sure that the world will 

 swim in the orthodox channel at last. 



I remain, dear Sir, &c. 



W. S. MacLeay. 



