by William Swainson, Zoological Illustrations Series II… (1829)
“ The splendid discovery of the circular system of Nature, has given a totally new aspect to this science; but has nevertheless been attended with an evil, no where more apparent than in Ornithology; where synthesis has completely set aside analysis, and where the rugged and laborious path of patient investigation, has been deserted for the flowery walks of Speculation and Hypothesis. ”
by William Swainson, Zoological Illustrations Series II… (1829)
“ But for these valuable coadjutors our acquaintance with nature would be altogether speculative: they supply, in short, by analysis, that basis upon which all true knowledge of nature must repose. Natural combinations can never be fully detected, without an acquaintance with their component parts.The investigator of general laws, and the discriminator of species, are thus advancing the knowledge of their favourite science by different modes of study. ”
by William Swainson, Zoological Illustrations Series II… (1829)
“ Species are the objects of which the whole fabric of animated nature is composed, and their respective properties must be investigated, before their natural combinations can be understood. Their delineation is therefore highly important. Figures bring before us objects which cannot always be understood by words; while if faithfully executed, they possess the same value as every period of time; for nature is unchangeable. ”
