CONTEMPORARY OPINION 
359 
appraised in his time, and confirmed by later gener¬ 
ations, or, if the splendour which surrounded his 
name, has now faded? As answer it may be well to 
recall the many scientific societies, even in distant 
parts of the world, which bear his name: the memorial 
festivals celebrated in his honour in different quarters 
of the world, and in some places even annually; his 
busts and statues, especially in botanic gardens : the 
streets in many great towns which bear his name; 
and the numerous medals which at home and abroad 
have been struck in his memory. But more important 
are the panegyrics delivered by naturalists of the most 
distinguished eminence. These have, with very few 
exceptions, joined in the expressions of admiration and 
gratitude to him who brought order out of chaos in 
which science was at that time nearly drowned, and 
who framed settled laws, which are still valid, and 
probably will be so for all future time. 
It must not be concealed, however, that in the 
years after his death, voices were raised protesting 
against the hymns of praise sung in his honour. But 
one is entitled to ask, has anyone been found on our 
earth, being a truly great man, who has not sooner or 
later been the object for attack and blame? And 
have not these detractors usually been insignificant 
persons themselves, who have come forward as 
iconoclasts? Themselves unable to achieve any great 
thing, and powerless to form an idea of their victim’s 
actual merits, they have made themselves notorious 
by their daring statements and want of consideration. 
In most cases their names are forgotten, or only 
mentioned sometimes by reason of the evil reputation 
which they gained by their conduct. 
So with regard to Linne; but few were they who 
in their petty power sought to diminish the regard he 
so generally enjoyed, and does enjoy. One may 
except from these people an inconsiderable minority of 
real scientific workers, who, though they do not dispute 
Linne’s merits, yet, according to their own ideas, 
