242 
The Queensland Naturalist. 
VOL. 1 
Passing over the transcendental inquiry regarding the 
nature of life, and especially the view that regards living 
organisms as chemical machines, whose automatic workings 
are merely illustrations of chemical dynamics, it may be 
pointed out, then, that to the student of Biology and Zoology 
alike, there is not only the consideration of the stmcture — 
however minute, of the organism ; or, again, the particular 
branch of investigation spoken of under the terms 
‘‘ descriptive and “ systematic (both of which provinces 
are usually concerned with organisms from which life has 
departed long since) ; or, again, the acquisition of a for- 
midable nomenclature, embodying the terms that structural, 
descriptive and systematic considerations involve ; but that 
the true knowledge of living animals and plants involves as 
well — 
fl) An investigation of living structure and its growth, 
or Morphology. 
(2) An investigation of vital processes or functions, 
or Physiology. 
(^5) That of the development of the individual and 
race — including variation, heredity (genetics), 
etc., or Evolution. 
(4) That of past history, Palceontology. 
(5) That of habits and of relations to the many con- 
ditions of environment, or Ecology and Ethology 
(or Bionomics.) 
This correct view of what is implied in the story of living 
things is, however, not to be regarded as depreciating the 
labours of structural and systematic naturalists, even when 
matters of geographical distribution have escaped their 
attention. Their work has been vast and important, and 
moreover from their exclusive standpoints it is unquestion- 
able that both Botany and Zoology present considerable 
educational value, as well as serve most important economic 
ends. 
The organisation of the animal or plant that is living, 
or has recently lived and is the scene of its several vital 
activities, necessitates for its detailed examination greater 
technical skill and facility for inquiry than the ordinary 
student — especially at the commencement of his career — 
will be able to command. This, therefore, except in its 
general outlines might be postponed. However, it should 
be impressed upon him that much may be found out by 
simple methods, and he should be stimulated to effort by being 
reminded of what the elder naturalists by their sole agency 
accomplished. But although the consideration of this more 
difficult undertaking may be deferred for the time being, 
it is still an integral part of Biology, and this must not be 
lost sight of. With regard to the study of vital functions 
