On the present state of Zoology. 15 



little modified on ascertaining- the true organization of those parts 

 from which we have hitherto drawn some of our characters ; and 

 whether, on combining the result thus obtained with the results of a 

 more extended anatomical investigation, it is not at least possible, 

 that the relation of supposed affinity may prove eventually to be one 

 of mere analogy. 



The only instance in which anatomical researches have been mis- 

 applied, as regards Zoology, is that in which they have led to the for- 

 mation of systems based upon certain parts of the internal structure 

 of animals, without regard being paid to the relation in which these 

 parts stand to the rest of the organization, and the consequent degree 

 of influence which they exert over the economy. This has been 

 sometimes attempted by persons, who have generally been good ana- 

 tomists, but ignorant of the first principles of Zoology. Yet even these 

 systems are not entirely without their use to the naturalist. — Although 

 worthless as a whole, they may suggest certain affinities which might 

 otherwise have been passed over. They at least teach us the method 

 of variation of those organs upon which they are established ; acquaint 

 us with their true value ; and throw more or less light upon the real 

 relations which subsist between those characters which anatomy fur- 

 nishes, and those with which Zoology is more immediately concerned. 



But it is time that we pass from these remarks to inquiring into the 

 present state of the science, as regards that, in which the scientific 

 Zoologist is so much interested, — a natural classification of animals. 



And here we must state, that it is not our intention, neither would 

 it be practicable within the limits of this article, to analyze in detail 

 any of the numerous systems which have been brought forwards of 

 late years. We simply purpose making a few observations on the 

 views which naturalists seem to entertain on this subject. The most 

 important feature in the present times is — the endeavour, now made 

 almost universally, to refer the affinities of animals to some fixed prin- 

 ciples of arrangement, — some general plan determined by certain laws. 

 We can hardly doubt of there being such a plan, upon which the Great 

 Author of Nature has formed the innumerable creatures which people 

 the earth. When we see the harmony which pervades the rest of his 

 works ; — when we become acquainted with the beautiful laws which 

 have been discovered in other sciences ; — when, especially, we call to 

 mind the principles established in those which border most closely 

 upon Zoology ; — we can hardly but conceive, that this science also ad- 

 mits of some generalizations, and that animals are as much under the 

 influence of given laws in respect to their affinities, as they are in re- 

 spect to their structure. Now it may be true that the first idea of 



