MEMOIR OF DE GEER. 
65 
of a cotemporary of De Geer’s, the celebrated Reau- 
mur ; and, as it was the works of the latter which had 
the greatest influence in stimulating the zeal of the 
Swedish naturalist for the study, it is natural to 
institute some comparison between them. As the 
result of this comparison, it may be briefly affirmed, 
that Reaumur shows greater skill in making his ob- 
servations, more felicity in planning experiments, 
and a readier power of exciting interest in the narra- 
tion of them ; hut De Geer is less prolix in detailing 
facts, more precise, and infinitely more methodical. 
The absence of the latter quality in the French philo- 
sopher has rendered it impossible, in many instances, 
to determine the objects to which his observations 
refer. As a disciple of Linnmus, De Geer could not 
fail to be early impressed with the value of system, 
and that which he framed for the arrangement of 
insects claims a brief notice. In a tabular form, it 
will stand thus : — 
Gvmnoptera. - 
- Alata. - 
Vaginata. 
Diptera. 
1. Lepidoptera. 
2. Elinguia, ( Ephemera , &c.) 
3. Neuroptera, (Dragon-flies, 
&c.) 
4. Hymenoptera. 
5. Siphonata, (Aphides and 
Cicada.) 
6. Dermaptera, (Bugs and 
Water-Bugs.) 
7. Hemiptcra,(Coc^roac7iesand 
Grasshoppe rs. ) 
8. Coleoptera. 
9. Haltera.ta.,(Dipteraof Linn,) 
10. Proboscidea, (Coccus.) 
E 
