RISE OF COMPARATIVE ANATOMY 149 
the idea of making a comprehensive study of the structure of 
the animal kingdom. It was fortunate that he began his 
investigations with thorough work upon the invertebrated 
animals; for from this view-point there was gradually un- 
folded to his great mind the plan of organization of the entire 
series of animals. Not only is a knowledge of the structure 
of the simplest animals an essential in understanding that of 
the more modified ones, but the more delicate work required 
in dissecting them gives invaluable training for anatomizing 
those of more complex construction. The value attached to 
this part of his training by Cuvier is illustrated by the advice 
that he gave to a young medical student who brought to his 
attention a supposed discovery in anatomy. ‘Are you an 
entomologist ? ” inquired Cuvier. ‘‘ No,” said the young man. 
“Then,” replied Cuvier, ‘“ go first and anatomize an insect, 
and return to me; and if you still believe that your observa- 
tions are discoveries I will then believe you.” 
Birth and Early Education.—Cuvier was born in 1760, 
at Monthéliard, a village at that time belonging to Wiirttem- 
berg, but now a part of the French Jura. His father was a 
retired military officer of the Swiss army, and the family, 
being Protestants, had moved to Montbéliard for freedom 
from religious persecution. Cuvier was christened Léopold- 
Christian-Frédéric-Dagobert Cuvier, but early in youth took 
the name of Georges at the wish of his mother, who had lost 
an infant son by that name. 
He gave an early promise of intellectual leadership, and 
his mother, although not well educated, took the greatest 
pains in seeing that he formed habits of industry and con- 
tinuous work, hearing him recite his lessons in Latin and 
other branches, although she did not possess a knowledge of 
Latin. He early showed a leaning toward natural history; 
having access to the works of Gesner and Buffon, he profited 
by reading these two writers. So great was his interest that 
