ORIGINAL PREFACE, 
B Y 
Mr. C HJ RLE S C L E RC K 
In the year 1739, illuftrious Linnaeus began his le6lures on 
Natural History, at Stockholm. 
It fortunately happened that I had an opportunity, with a great many 
others, to attend them; and though, before that time, my occupations had 
prevented me from paying attention to the fcience of Natural 
History; yet I now could not refill the zeal, with which the captivating 
manner of inllruction, in which our illuftrious prefident fo much excels, 
had infpired me. 
I shall fay nothing of the profound knowledge, the admirable 
power of refearch, the love of truth and of our fociety, together with 
the other virtues of that great man; but fhall content myfelf with ac- 
knowledging him (after the example of the moft eminent Naturalifts} 
as the guide of their enquiries. 
A 
