8 Mr. Kirby's Address to the Zoological Club. 



inevitably lead them to erroneous conclusions. When it is recol- 

 lected that some of the most eminent comparative anatomists have 

 not been professional men, I trust it will stimulate zoologists in 

 general to labour in this field. I beg not to be misunderstood in 

 what I have here stated. I have the highest possible opinion of 

 the medical gentlemen of my country in every branch of their 

 profession ; I venerate their skill and science : but the most im- 

 portant duties of their station imperatively call on them to look 

 principally at the human subject : it is not wonderful, therefore, 

 that they should feel disposed to refer all minor forms immediately 

 to that standard. 



The zoologist has still other objects, and those of no common 

 interest, that merit his attention. The busy world of animals 

 that move around him, does not include the whole circle of his 

 science ; there are others that call to him from the dust^ victims 

 of that mighty catastrophe that once overwhelmed our globe and 

 its inhabitants, — antique forms that have not yet been met with 

 by those " that run to and fro to increase knowledge." These 

 also, from the giant Mammoth and Megatherium to the most 

 minute grain of an Oolithe, afford a legitimate subject to the zoo- 

 logist ; and amongst our members we number some who have 

 highly distinguished themselves in this vast arena. 



To conclude. There is one other and great object which ought 

 to stand first with every Naturalist or Association of Naturalists, 

 the mention of which cannot with any propriety be omitted by 

 7?je, especially upon the natal day of that illustrious Englishman, 

 the father and founder of Natural History in this our country, 

 whose delight it was to celebrate " the Wisdom of God in the 

 Creation :" — that great object is the Glory of the Omnipotent 

 Creator. " Finis creaiionis telluris,'" says the immortal Swede, 

 *' est gloria Dei ex opere naturce per hominem solum." We fulfil 

 this great end when we ascribe to him the glory of his works; and 

 more especially when, setting aside, as much as possible, every 

 false bias, our great aim is io discover the truth of things, their 

 real nature and relations. And may we all with patient assiduity 

 walk in this path, " and proving all things, may we finally hold 

 fast that which is good !" " 



