The Ohio Naturalist. 
152 
[Vol. II, No. 2, 
other realms, knowledge of which has been dependent on knowl- 
edge of the routes by which they may be reached. 
Tints structure must be known to understand function, and 
function known enables us to interpret* structure. Evolution 
could not be demonstrated until after there had been gathered 
the necessary materials to show relations of different organisms, 
past and present. But, evolution known, and vast arrays of 
structure become intelligible. Without the knowledge of organic 
distribution no laws of distribution could be framed, but without 
the explanation of distribution afforded by evolution the facts 
are an unmeaning puzzle. So, too, without an effort at syste- 
matic arrangement of plant and animal forms no fundamental 
law of relationship could have been discovered, but given a law 
of relationship and systematic biology assumes a totally different 
aspect. Recognition of the multitudinous forms of nature are 
but one step then in the presentation of the vast concourse in 
their proper relations. 
No doubt biologists will persist till every form of life has been 
adequately described and some means of designating it adopted. 
So much may be expected from the enthusiasm of the systemat- 
ist. Some centuries of effort must, of course, be expected to 
elapse before the task is done. But it is evident that the modern 
biology is much less concerned in the mere recognition of these 
innumerable forms of life, these remotest expressions of the force 
of evolution, than in the gaining of some adequate conception of 
their relations, the forces of adaptation that have fitted them for 
their particular niche in the realm of nature, their relation to the 
other organisms with which they are associated and which con- 
stitute for them a source of support or a menace to existence. 
That is, modern biology concerns itself not only with the elements 
of structure in the organism, with the means it has of performing 
its varied functions with the aggregate of individuals which con- 
stitute its species, but goes on to its relations to all the influences 
and forces which have made it what it is and which sustain its 
specific existence. Less than this is too narrow a view of the 
province of biology. Here is unlimited scope for the student who 
pursues knowledge for love of knowledge. 
As an inspiration to the general student the field of biology has 
always held an important place, and in these modern times its 
fascination is as potent as ever. Men have attacked the problems 
of life from many different viewpoints with greatly different aim 
and great difference in preparation and method in their work. 
Some of these have sought merely for inspiration for literary 
effort, but so far as their records have been exact and truthful 
they are contributions to science, when mixed with “ vain imag- 
inings” they become literature and not science, although their 
right to rank here may depend on literary merit. Every grada- 
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