SYSTEM OF LINN.EUS, 
151 
Different species, even in the same genus, sometimes differ in 
their stems ; some being woody and others herbaceous. Nei- 
ther is the form of the corolla to be depended on ; even in the 
most natural families of plants, we find flowers of different forms, 
as in different species in the natural order Solaneae, where the 
mullein is wheel-form, the tobacco funnel- form, and the atropa 
bell-form. 
We shall not now' attempt to give a view of the system of 
Linnaeus, as we are hereafter to consider it in detail. We in- 
troduce it here merely to compare it with other modes of clas- 
sification. The removing of plants which are nearly allied in 
their natural character, to different classes, by means of any ar- 
tificial principle of classification, ought as far as possible to be 
avoided ; and although the system of Linnaeus, as you will find, 
when we compare it with natural families, is not wholly free 
from this confusion, it is much more so than any other which 
has been invented. 
Although we do not now receive the method of Tournefort, 
for practical uses, a knowledge of it may extend your views of 
botanical science. When we accustom ourselves to take but 
one view of a subject, we are in danger of acquiring a contract- 
ed mode of thought. We are not to suppose that the system 
of Linnaeus is entirely perfect ; but may well imagine that men 
of science will arise, who shall discover principles now hidden, 
and look back upon what they will call, the very imperfect state 
of our sciences. We should rejoice that the human race is 
thus destined to a degree of improvement beyond our highest 
powers of calculation. 
“ What should we think of a savage, if, in the pride of his ig- 
norance, he was to conceive his own thoughts and feelings to be 
the noblest of which the human intellect is capable? And per- 
haps even the mind of a Newton, is but. the mind of such a sa- 
vage compared to what man is hereafter to become.”* 
The system, t of Linnxus has already in its principal features 
t System differs from method in having - but one single primitive charac- 
ter, and in founding - its principal divisions upon the consideration of only 
one single organ or principle. Linnreus founded his system upon the con- 
sideration of the stamens as more or less numerous, upon their proportion, 
connexion, and their absence. Newton founded his system of Natural 
Philosophy upon attraction; the vital principle is the foundation of all sys- 
SYSTEM OF LINN.EC3. 
* Brown. 
System of Linnreus not entirely perfect — Advantages of taking different 
views of a subject — Human mind destined to progressive improvement — 
Difference between system and method, (see note.) 
