VI 
PREFACE. 
vailed in the science of zoology in this country, and justify the 
division of its history into two great eras, the general features 
of which it may be proper here briefly to notice. 
The first of these periods in the history of zoological science 
in Britain, may be denominated the Physiological Era. In 
this golden age Willoughby, Ray, Lister and Sibbald con- 
spicuously distinguished themselves. These illustrious indivi- 
duals duly appreciated the value of anatomy as a guide in zoo- 
logical inquiries ; and while they studied the forms of animals 
in connection with their structure, they were not unmindful of 
their functions and distribution. The whole extent of the ani- 
mal kingdom occupied their attention, and they were induced to 
collect materials from every quarter. But while thus engaged, 
they were sedulous in the investigation of the productions of 
their own country. The number of indigenous species which 
they procured and described, is a proof of their diligence, and 
enabled them to impart a degree of maturity to the British 
Fauna at that early period, which is still calculated to excite 
our admiration. 
The labours of these luminaries of the science in determining 
the characters of British Animals, were preceded by the publi- 
cation in 1667 of the “ Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britanni- 
carurrC’’ of Dr Christopher Merret. This small work, which, 
though it claims little more than the merit of a catalogue, exhi- 
bits many proofs of great diligence, and rises in importance, 
when viewed as a first attempt at the construction of a British 
Fauna. 
The history of Mammiferous Animals was undertaken by 
John Ray, and the results published in 1693, in the Synopsis 
methodica Animaliim^ Quadrupedum^ et Serpentini generis. In 
this work, the forms of the native species are described with much 
accuracy, together with many interesting anatomical details. 
Few opportunities had occurred to this author, or to his friend 
Willoughby, of examining the Cetaceous species. This defi- 
ciency, however, was well supplied by Sir Robert Sibbald, a 
naturalist who, besides contributing greatly to the elucidation of 
the productions of his native country by his Scotia lUustrataj sive 
