70 



domains of science, where unworthy na- 

 tional prejudices are sometimes associated 

 with private jealousies, we are enabled to 

 examine controverted points with coolness 

 and impartiality. The remoteness of our 

 situation supplies the place of time, and we 

 may be supposed to decide between the 

 conflicting opinions of European naturalists, 

 with the same justice and impartiality as if 

 we were removed from them by intervening 

 centuries. 



