MEMOIR OF LAMARCK. 49 
rials into tlie bed of the sea ; and tlie latter, from 
continual efforts to deepen its bottom, necessarily 
brows them out on one side or other. Hence there 
results a general movement and a constant trans- 
portation of the ocean, which has perhaps already 
made several circuits of the globe. This shifting 
cannot occur without displacing the centre of gravity 
in the globe ; a circumstance which would have the 
effect of displacing the axis itself, and changing the 
temperature of the different climates. — In order to 
silence any doubts that may arise in the minds of 
his readers from not observing these changes going 
forward, Lamarck is careful to add, as in the case 
of the supposed transformation of species, that an 
unlimited length of time must be allowed for their 
accomplishment. 
But the work on which Lamarck’s fame is prin- 
cipally founded, and which has conferred a most 
important service on zoology, is his Histoire Naturelle 
des Animaux sans Vertelres. From the time of its 
appearance, this work has ever been regarded as 
one of the highest authority, and has formed the 
principal regulator of most departments of this ex- 
tensive race of animals. The work extends to seven 
octavo volumes, and is entitled “ Natural History 
of invertebrate Animals, presenting the general 
and particular Characters of these Animals, their 
Distribution, Classes, Families, Genera, and the 
principal Species referable thereto.” The first vo- 
lume is entirely occupied with an introduction, the 
object of which is to determine the essential cha- 
D 
