1 
31 
tei of Europe shall/ iu the progress of more extensive 
inquiries, appear to be finished, or perfect animals, — 
as I have no doubt they will , — there will seem to be 
a peculiar propriety in retaining the name which Dr. 
Laurenti imposed upon these auimals ; that of Pro- 
teus : for what name can better express the various 
forms, and the mixed structure and functions of these 
animals, iucluding the Sirens ? I say, including the 
Sirens : for whether the Protei or Sirens be perfect 
animals, or mere cordyli, I am fully persuaded, that 
the ultimate decision of naturalists will be, that these 
animals must be referred to one and the same genus. 
And if the genus be wholly distinct from that of Sa- 
■* 
lamandra, we shall have but little difficulty in form- 
ing good and appropriate names for the animals of 
the Sitticher See and of the lake Czirknitz, and for 
the several species of American Sirens, that are al- 
ready known to us. We shall take our names for 
these animals from the number of their feet and toes ; 
from the more or less elongated form of their bodies ; 
from the structure of their lungs ; from the particu- 
lar countries; or the kinds of waters, which they es- 
pecially inhabit ; from the first describers of the spe- 
cies, and from other circumstances of this kind. 
1 know not whether you will readily excuse the 
freedom with which I have delivered my sentiments, 
concerning the Sirens and Protei. In regard to the 
latter animals, you will, perhaps, think, that I ought 
to have spoken with more reserve and hesitation ; 
since I have never had an opportunity of seeing the 
Proteus anguinus, or P. Tritonius. But, in this re- 
spect, If 1 do not mistake, you and 1 are somewhat 
