2. INTRODUCTION. 



to observe , to distinguish and to class the objects 

 of nature ; not simply by exposing their theories , 

 or by descriptions , which a well written book 

 might supply , but by placing before him the ob- 

 jects themselves, and pointing out the particulars to 

 which his attention should principally be directed. 

 On quitting the lectures he may proceed to the 

 botanical garden , where an immense number of 

 plants are cultivated; to the menagerie, where 

 many rare animals are kept ; or to the zoological 

 and botanical galleries , where are assembled pre- 

 served specimens, the accumulated treasure of 

 ages, and where he may study families, genera 

 and species, examine the minutest details , and 

 familiarise himself with every scientific character. 

 For the courses of mineralogy and geology, rich 

 collections methodically arranged afford him the 

 same resources. In fine , in the course of compa- 

 rative anatomy he is taught the organisation of 

 animals ; in those of chemistry , the composition 

 of bodies and their use in the arts; in that of agri- 

 culture, the best methods of naturalizing and mul- 

 tiplying useful vegetables ; and in that of icono- 

 graphy y the art of delineating objects of natural 

 history, so as to express their distinctive charac 



