i o A Preliminary T>if courf e concerning Anatomy 
All Animals are not capable of all thefe heads of In- 
quiry, and feveral are lb near akin, that having fully de- 
ferred a Genus , the accidental differences of its various 
fpecies would be fbon abfblved ; nor would there need a 
Repetition, but a bare Recital of the moft remarkable 
difcrepances ; as the Anatomy of a Porpefs might in- 
differently lerve for a Dolphin , and moft of the Cetace- 
ous kind. I could therefore wifh that at leaft for the 
prelent we had an Account of the moft Anomalous 
and Hetercchte forts of Animals ; or fizcli whofey^e- 
cies are moft different. Thefe Elfays as they would 
animate Others to the Prolecution of the fame, fo like- 
wife they would be a great help and affiftance to 
them in the defign. Something this way I may do per- 
haps my lelf ; and though I may not be fo able or 
skilful as to hit the mark, or to catch the Game ; yet 
having railed it, and given the alarm to others, they 
may more fuccefsfully perfue it. 
What is here performed in the Anatomy of a For- 
pefs ; fince his but from a fingle Obfervation, and the 
firft of the kind I had opportunity of differing, I can- 
not think it fb exaft or full, but that another or my 
felf upon a review, might meet .with rniftakes, or 
make additions thereto. Which is but what I have here 
done to thole Accounts given us already of the Ana- 
tomy of this Kfh, by the famous Rondeletim^ Bartholme^ 
Jo. Dan. Major , and Mr. Ray. However had it not 
met with more favourable Cenfures than my own, it 
might have ftill enjoyed, what it beft deferves, the fi- 
lent confinement of my Study. But fince it creeps 
abroad, I rnuft here acknowledge the kindnefs of my 
moft Ingenious Friend Mr. Hook , and thole worthy 
Perlbns, who gave me the opportunity of making the Ob- 
fervation ; And his particular affifeing me in defign- 
