TREVIRANUS. 1 89 



Evolution theory, — also of Linnaeus, Harvey, and 

 Blumenbach. He had moreover the advanta"-e of 

 the new Paleontology of Cuvier and of the travels 

 of Humboldt. 



His point of approach to Nature is that of the 

 German natural philosophers. He places life upon 

 the chemical and mechanical basis, and in hi> intro- 

 duction enters a vigorous protest against the jnu-ely 

 speculative work upon the one side, — die Tnuiuic 

 2md Visio7ien, — probably having in mind his worthv 

 predecessor Bonnet and others whom I have j^laced 

 in the speculative group. On the other side, lie 

 protests against the dry systematic work which 

 Linneeus had left to his posterity, — his terms with- 

 out his genius, — a Botany and Zoology devoid of 

 all higher generalizations. 



"An author," he says, "can have no sadder and more spirit- 

 killing duty than the reading and writing of compilations. The 

 teachings of Natural Science have long been standing isolated like 

 the pyramids in the deserts of Egypt, as if the value of Natural 

 History were not rather the application than the mere possession 

 of facts. What have Botany and Zoology been hitherto, but a dry 

 register of names, and what man who has not lost his sense fi)r 

 higher work can find time for these gymnastics of memory ? But 

 once regard systematic work as a part of Biology, ami nomencla- 

 ture as a means rather than as an end, and both take their place 

 in science, contributing to the whole in which the intellect of man 

 perceives the unity and harmony of Natural Law. l^ven the work 

 of Linn^us, as it does not reach the highest point, is mere con- 

 struction. The author will give opinion and theory a place in 

 this work, but he is far from those who give their dreams and 

 fancies a reahty and permanence, believing that his own theories 



