134 THOMAS HENRY HUXLEY 



disciplines dealing with organisms and their functions, 

 occurred independently to three contemporaries, Bichat, 

 Lamarck and Treviranus. Lamarck first used the word 

 " Biologie," and Treviranus wrote a Biologie in six volumes 

 (1802-22). 



The reasons for studying biology are next set forth. 

 Its utility is obvious from the fact that it, 



"... tends to give right ideas, which are essential to the 

 foundation of right practice, and to remove wrong ideas, which 

 are the no less essential foundations and fertile mothers of every 

 description of error in practice." 



Another reason for the study is to be found in the con- 

 sideration that man is not an isolated and peculiar being, 

 but one of a series of organisms, displaying unity in 

 structure and function. The important bearings of the 

 subject on infectious disease, and its value to agriculture 

 are finally pointed out. 



As to the method of studying biology, the type system, 

 as adopted at South Kensington, is advocated. The im- 

 portance of rationally arranged museums is also emphasized. 

 The needs of the general public in this respect are, — 



"... not met by constructing a sort of happy hunting-ground 

 of miles of glass cases ; and, under the pretence of exhibiting 

 everything, putting the maximum amount of obstacle in the way 

 of those who wish properly to see anything." 



As to the time when biology may best be studied, 

 it is held that this should form part of an ordinary school 

 training. Human anatomy and physiology, and also 

 botany, are pointed out as the most suitable branches of 

 the subject for the purpose. Special classes, with practical 

 work, might well be established in secondary schools. 



Six lectures to working-men " On the Evidence as to 

 the Origin of Existing Vertebrate Animals " were given 



