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to that constellation in natural philosophy, the great 
Linnaeus, who with a wonderful discernment has un- 
ravelled every difficulty, and given the labouring stu- 
dent a clue to conduct him through the intricate divi- 
sions of nature. 
In the branch particularly of which we are treating, 
he is universally acknowledged to have given a well- 
founded and correct system ; a system perhaps not alto- 
gether faultless, but far superior to those of any other 
writer, the best of whom, by, making many, and too 
nice distinctions in their arrangements, have served ra- 
ther to perplex than to inform. 
A good system being obtained, the aid of the draughts- 
man and painter, are necessary auxiliaries to delineate 
the delicate figure, varied colours, the peculiar attitudes, 
and beautiful outline of nature : but more especially to 
pourtray, with minute accuracy, the essential characters 
which mark the several orders, and again divide their 
respective genera. A work that possesses these advan- 
tages, that has also good materials to show the merit of 
