MEMOIR OF DR. LINDLEY. 
441 
most of his works have been translated on the Continent. As an acknowledge¬ 
ment of the estimation attached to his labours, the University of Munich presented 
him with their diploma of Ph.H. in the year 1833. He has also been elected 
Honorary or Corresponding Member of the following celebrated foreign institutions 
“—the Royal Academy of Sciences at Berlin, the Linncean Society at Stockholm, 
the Hutch Society of Science, the Royal Prussian Horticultural Society, the 
New-York Lyceum of Natural History, the Botanical Society at Ratisbon, &c. 
Among the scientific bodies of our own country, he is a Fellow of the Royal, 
Linncean, and Geological Societies. 
As a writer, Hr. Lindley must rank among the first, not more on account 
of the scientific character of his works than for the classic style in which they 
are written, and their freedom from those defects that often display themselves 
in the productions of voluminous authors. From the freedom and elegance 
which characterises his Ladies Botany , to the terseness and vigour of the Intro¬ 
duction and Natural System , there is an adaptation of style and language to the 
subject that places his works amongst the best compositions of British scientific 
literature. 
As impartial biographers, however, no doubt we shall be expected to touch 
upon one point respecting which much has been said and written on both sides. 
We allude to the manner in which Hr. Lindley treats the labours of his great 
predecessor, Linnaeus. That, on the one hand, the Hoctor occasionally com¬ 
ments with unnecessary severity on the system of the “ illustrious Swede ” and 
his school, we fully believe and as freely admit. This allows of no palliation; for 
while it cannot possibly add to the lustre of any man of science to speak slightingly 
of the labours of his brother investigators, such a course will never convince an 
opponent of the superior wisdom of the accusing party, or the correctness of his 
views. On the other hand, such a foible can be no drawback whatever on the 
reputation of the Hoctor as a scientific botanist; and we cannot but think the 
Linnsean botanists—carried away by a natural though unfortunately too often 
an almost blind zeal for the system of their master—have laid more stress upon 
the circumstance than it actually deserves. That in discussing the views of 
others, we ought to be temperate and collected, will admit of no doubt; but then 
we must never forget that we are but human, and cannot expect to reach 
perfection. Such appears to us a clear view of the case between our author and 
the Linmeans. 
As a public teacher, Hr. Lindley stands very high. His delivery is good, his 
manner easy; and, having a clear conception of his subject, and expressing 
himself in a simple language, he never fails to convey to his pupils an intelligible 
view of what he is teaching. In his lectures he never forgets the great object 
of teaching; and, with all the resources he has at command, no man can be 
