PREFACE. 
ri'His Guide, which is intended to be the first of a special series, 
has been drawn up to accompany an exhibit of Old Natural 
History Books which illustrate the origin and progress of the 
study of Natural History up to the time of Linnaeus. 
It makes no pretence of giving a complete history of the 
contributions of all writers, but is practically limited to such 
works as have contributed to the advancement of the science. 
It has been compiled chiefly by the Assistant in charge of 
the General Library, Mr. B. B. Woodward, with assistance in 
technical matters from officers in the several departments, and 
from members of the staff at the British Museum, Bloomsbury. 
E. RAY LANKESTER, 
Director, 
British Museum 
(Natural History), 
Marchf 1905 * 
