IS 
MEMOIR OF 
laid the foundation for the improvements made 
in some of its departments by subsequent writers.* 
In order to the due appreciation of his ingenuity 
and labour, it may be requisite to commence this 
memoir of him, with a sketch of the origin and 
nature of Zoology ; and of the state in which it 
existed at the time when he commenced his 
researches. 
It may be inferred that mankind would, from 
the earliest period, be led to make observations 
on the inferior animals. Some degree of such 
knowledge would often be essential to their own 
safety and welfare. This would also be the case 
with the more intelligent and pious portion of 
them, from higher motives, since it is the charac- 
teristic of such persons in all ages, that “ they 
regard the works of the Lord, and consider the 
operation of His hands.”-j- The naming of the 
animals by Adam, recorded in the second chapter 
of Genesis, implies some examination, or at least 
some notice having been taken of their most 
obvious distinctions, — a supposition which will be 
accepted by those who consider, that the Hebrew 
language, in the state of it in which we now 
possess the writings of Moses, was the original 
language of mankind, er nearly so ; because the 
names he gives to the animals are apparently 
* “ He alone is the author of that system, which both 
Ray and Linnseus took for their guide, which was not 
improved by the former, nor confessed by the latter.” 
— Swainson. 
t Isaiah, v. 12. 
