3 
It is, however, not intended to extend too widely the privileges 
which are thus assumed : nor is it intended unnecessarily to indulge 
in the discussion of any collateral subjects. Indeed, the freedom with 
which introductory matter was introduced in the former volume ren- 
ders the necessity of such an encroachment less imperious in this 
stage of my labours. In a work like the^ present, however, which is 
intended to embrace all that is instructive and interesting in a science, 
respecting which so little has appeared in this country, it cannot 
indeed be objectionable to notice, occasionally, the more important 
observations which have occurred to the zealous and well-informed 
in other parts of the world ; and farther than this it is not Intended to 
wander. 
The history of the several animal fossils will be given with all the 
care and precision which I shall be able to employ. But however 
correctly their physical, their chemical, and even their geographic 
characters may be given, little is accomplished, unless as close a compa- 
rison be made between the fossil and the recent animal, as circumstances 
will admit. This, it must be observed, must of necessity lead to such 
observations on the habits and economy, as well as of the chemical 
composition of the recent animal, as perhaps at first sight might appear 
to be unnecessary. It is, however, presumed that this extension of 
inquiry will not be found in any case to be employed beyond the 
bounds which fair illustration may demand. 
It has been considered as very desirable, not only to ascertain the 
animals, from which the different fossil animal remains have derived 
their origin ; but also to determine, as nearly as could be, the state in 
which their remains were intended to exist, in the present state of this 
globe. Hence, after having taken a slight glance at the original 
animals, and examined the various changes which they have under- 
gone ; I shall endeavour to trace them into that state, in which they 
appear to possess the highest degree of utility as fossil substances, and 
in which they have obtained, comparatively, a permanent form. This 
