2 Ou the present state of Zoology. 
cy to infuse habits of accurate observation ; and as one of its objects 
consists in tracing" the complicated relations which these beings bear 
to one another, it naturally leads the observer to certain first princi- 
ples of systematic arrangement, which being afterwards transferred to 
other subjects, are made susceptible of more general application. * 
There are yet further advantages which accrue from the pursuit of 
this science, sufficient to recommend it, even when followed for its 
own sake, and apart from all other inducements. The relaxation 
which it affords the mind, when fatigued with severer studies,, or op- 
pressed with anxiety ; the never-failing entertainment which it yields, 
even in the most retired and solitary spots ; the charms with which 
it can invest a country life, diffusing happiness over our leisure hours, 
and converting every walk into an intellectual treat ; these are fruits 
which will not be esteemed lightly, or considered by a reflecting mind 
as beneath its notice. Above all, we may allude to those devout me- 
ditations which this science is calculated to suggest to all such as are 
alive to the impressions of religion. It tends to uphold that secret 
communion with the Creator, which Revelation so much encourages. 
And if this remark has been often made, it only shows how general 
has been the feeling to which it relates. Strange, indeed, must be 
the perversion of that mind, which is made neither wiser nor better, 
by studying the works of Him, whose own wisdom is infinite, and all 
whose operations tend to good and happiness. We are not disposed to 
wonder because we find some to whom the study itself fails in afford- 
ing the same degree of interest which we ourselves derive from it. 
But to have the thoughts leaning of their own accord to such pur- 
suits ; to be able to expatiate with delight on that immense field of 
wonders which Nature opens to us ; to trace the workings of the 
most consummate skill, power, and benevolence ; and yet in our re- 
searches to find no room for moral improvement, no incitement to 
remember the Great Author of all ; we fear this indicates a mind 
estranged from its own best interests, and but ill qualified for the more 
exalted employments of a future existence. 
In what follows, it is proposed to confine our observations to that 
branch of Natural History termed Zoology. This, in its widest ac- 
ceptation, may be defined as the science which treats of every thing 
relating to the structure, functions, history, and classification of ani- 
mals. Under the head of structure, is included the form and arrange- 
ment of the several organs which enter into the composition of the 
animal body : under that of functions, the phenomena exhibited by 
* See Cttv. Reg. An. Preface, p. xix. 
3 
