MEMOIR OF RAY. 
37 
distinction that now attaches to it, is chiefly to be at- 
tributed to the affectionate care of Ray, who under- 
took to complete and publish several works which 
he left imperfect ; a task which he executed with 
so much fidelity and regard to the fame of his de- 
ceased friend, that the reader is led to attribute to 
Mr Willughby much of the merit that belonged 
exclusively to Ray. These important works will be 
mentioned more particularly hereafter. They were 
originally undertaken in conformity with a plan for 
furnishing a complete history and description of 
plants and animals, of which the following account 
is given by Dr Derham, who derived his informa- 
tion directly from Ray. “ These two gentlemen, 
finding the history of nature very imperfect, had 
agreed between themselves, before their travels be- 
yond sea, to reduce the several tribes of things to 
a method ; and to give accurate descriptions of the 
several species, from a strict view of them. And 
forasmuch as ftlr Willughby’s genius lay chiefly to 
Animals, therefore he undertook the Birds, Beasts, 
Fishes, and Insects, as Mr Ray did the Vegetables. 
How each of these two great men discharged his 
province, the world hath seen in their works. Mr 
Willughby’s labours were so incessant in his studies, 
that he allowed himself little or no time for those 
recreations and diversions which men of his estate 
and degree are apt to spend too much of their time 
in ; but he prosecuted his design with as great ap- 
plication, as if he had been to get his bread thereby. 
