INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS 



NATURAL SYSTEM. 



BY 



WILLIAM SWAINSON, Esq. 



In estimating the progress of zoological science during the last ten 

 years, it seems essential to view the subject under two heads : firstly, 

 as regards a knowledge of individual structure ; and secondly, as 

 regards the application of this knowledge to the illustration of general 

 laws. 



To expatiate on the extent of the discoveries, or on the value of 

 the physiological facts which have been brought to light during this 

 period, would be altogether superfluous. They are, indeed, so vast, 

 and at the same time so diversified, that it is no longer in the power 

 of an individual, absorbed in the study of a part, rightly to appreciate 

 the full bearings of the whole. If, then, we are to measure the pro- 

 gress of this science by the accession of new objects, or by our increased 

 knowledge of structure, its advance has been almost immeasurable. 



Yet, while we may justly exult in these splendid accessions to our 

 favourite science, we must still consider them but as materials for 

 reaching " a higher state of knowledge :" that, in short, which was 

 long ago pronounced by Linnaeus to be the " ultimus Jinis" of the true 

 Zoologist, — the discovery of the Natural System. However greatly 

 the learned Swede may have erred in his efforts to attain this end ; 

 however different are the opinions upon record regarding his zoological 

 system, and of all others that have supplanted it ; and however incon- 

 sistent these latter appear with each other ; still, among those whom 



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