EXPLANATION OF THE ANALYSIS 



OF THE 



SEXUAL SYSTEM 



OF 



CAROLUS VON LINNAEUS. 



The method of Analysis is called by logicians, that of invention, for it is the mode in 

 which knowledge is acquired, and shews the progressive steps by which we advance in the 

 acquisition of complex ideas. Here we are taught to compare, to reason, to determine, to adopt, 

 and separate; and, finally, in this way we arrive at certain conclusions, or truth. It is a mode 

 admirably calculated for the exercise and strengthening of our reasoning powers, being the same 

 also as that pursued by Mathematicians. 



Thus then is the systematic study of Botany one of the best books of logic, or reasoning, in 

 the world; or, as some persons might wish to degrade it, a manly sort of Puzzle, but surely 



as instructive as it is amusing! 



A person who is in the pursuit of the Class and Order of any unknown flower may be said 

 to be upon a BOTANICAL JOURNEY, and the plant being his Directory, if he can read the 

 botanical characters impressed on it by the pen of Nature, he will certainly, following system, 

 very soon arrive at his journey's end. 



In our first start we have two * Comparisons' to make, 



I. Whether the Sexes are • visible,' or 

 II. Whether the Sexes are * invisible.' 



That is, whether the naked eye can discern the Pistil/um and Stamina, or not. 



If 'the sexes are not visible,' he has already reached the object of his destination, the plant, 

 whose fructification he holds in his hand, comes under Class XXIV. < CRYPTOGAMIA' of 



Linnaeus. 



If, on the reverse, • the sexes were visible/.... that is, the Stamina and Pistil/a apparent to 

 sight..' .he has now three Comparisons to make, which may be called the ' second stage' of his 

 Journey. He has carefully to examine 



♦ Vide Plate of the Analysis of the Sexual System. 



a 



I. Whether 



