34 
MEMOIR OF 
development of the natural system in the modified 
sense of the term ; but naturalists are still unde- 
termined upon which of their systems the exalted 
title should be bestowed. 
Both artificial and what are considered to be 
natural systems have their respective advantages 
and disadvantages. The advantages of a good 
artificial system, are, that it facilitates research 
after an unknown object, and thereby renders the 
study of natural philosophy more inviting to 
those who propose to make respectable attain- 
ments merely in any of its departments. 
The disadvantages of an artificial system are, 
that it disregards the order of nature,* which it is 
the chief object of Natural History to develop ; 
that, from its nature, it cannot be formed on 
general principles, in which alone the complex 
relations of natural objects can be determined ; 
that it involves a multiplication of divisions, 
* This disadvantage is thus illustrated by Mr Swain- 
son. Alluding to the best classification of quadrupeds 
extant, he observes, “ Commencing with the oran-otan, 
the series passes thence to the baboon, the monkeys, the 
howling apes, the prehensile monkeys, and the bats. So 
far there is an evident appearance of a natural series, and 
we begin to think the author is really arranging animals 
according to the order of organization ; but when we have 
arrived at the end of the first fragment of the chain, and 
dismissing all idea of continuity, we are to begin on another. 
Immediately after the bats are placed the hedgehogs, and 
following them come the bears. Every person possessing 
the slightest knowledge of these animals must perceive 
how unnaturally they are combined.” 
