VIEW OF NATURE. 
301 
other nourishment than substances which themselves come in 
contact with it ; exhibiting no consciousness, nor to common 
observation any sensation. It is only, when v. e examine with 
close attention, the various phenomena in the vegetable and ani- 
mal kingdoms, that we learn to doubt, as to the exact boundaries 
by which they arc separated. 
The division of nature into three kingdoms, animal, vegetable 
and mineral, is very ancient, and appears at first to be clear and 
precise. 
Minerals destitute of life increase by the accumulation of 
new particles. 
Vegetables grow, produce seeds which contain the elements 
of future plants like themselves, and then die. 
Animals unite to the properties of vegetables, the feeling of 
their own existence ; or as Linnauis has said, “ Stones grow , 
vegetables grow and live, animals grow, live, and feel.” Although 
this simple view of the works of creation is pleasing, it is not 
satisfactoiy ; because we are not able to decide where in the vast 
series of organized beings, sensation ceases. 
That you may the better understand what is meant by the 
gradations in animal life, we will present you with a sketch of 
the classification of animals. The study of this department of 
nature you have already been told is termed Zoology. 
A very general and simple classification of animals is as fol- 
lows : — 
“ Vertebral, animals having backbones. 
Avertebral, animals destitute of backbones. 
Vertebral animals are divided into, 
1. Quadrupeds. The science of which has no popular name. 
It includes four-footed animals ; as ox, dog, mouse. 
2. Hi ids. The science of which is called ornithology. It 
includes the feathered tribe ; as pigeon, goose, wren. 
3. Amphibious Animals. The science of which is called 
amphibiology. It includes those cold-blooded animals wdiich 
are capable of living on dry land, or in the water ; as tortoise, 
lizard, serpent, frog. 
4. Fishes. The science of which is called itchtliyology. It 
includes all aquatic animals which have gills and fins ; as shad, 
trout, sturgeon, cel. 
Avertebral animals are divided into, 
5. Insects. The science of which is called entomology. It 
includes all animals with jointed bodies, which have jointed 
limbs ; as flies, spiders, lobsteis. 
6. Vermes. The science of which is called herminthology. 
Obvious distinctions — Division of nature into three kingdoms — Zoology 
— Division of animals into two great classes — Division of vertebral animals 
into four classes — Division of avertebral animals into two classes. 
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