DIVERSIONS OF A NATURALIST BY THE SAME AUTHOR SCIENCE FROM AN EASY CHAIR SCIENCE FROM AN EASY CHAIR. SECOND SERIES FROM AN EASY CHAIR EXTINCT ANIMALS THE KINGDOM OF MAN [Illustration: A CORNER IN A MARINE AQUARIUM, PAINTED BY PHILIP HENRY GOSSE, F.R.S. The scene shews the great white Sea Anemone of Weymouth. In front are two richly coloured sea-worms (Serpula) issuing from their calcareous tubes, attached to a dead scallop's shell. The green sea-grass (Zostera) and a translucent pink sea-weed, left and right, complete the picture] DIVERSIONS OF A NATURALIST BY SIR RAY LANKESTER K.C.B., F.R.S. WITH A FRONTISPIECE IN COLOUR AND FORTY-THREE OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS METHUEN & CO. LTD. 36 ESSEX STREET W.C. LONDON _First Published in 1915_ PREFACE AT this time of stress and anxiety we all, however steadfast in giving our service to the great task in which our country is engaged, must, from time to time, seek intervals of release from the torrent of thoughts which is set going by the tremendous fact that we are fighting for our existence. To very many relief comes in splendid self-sacrificing action, in the joyful exercise of youthful strength and vigour for a noble cause. But even these, as well as those who are less fortunate, need intervals of diversion--brief change of thought and mental occupation--after which they may return to their great duties rested and refreshed. I know that there are many who find a never-failing source of happiness in acquaintance with things belonging to that vast area of Nature which is beyond and apart from human misery, an area unseen and unsuspected by most of us and yet teeming with things of exquisite beauty; an area capable of yielding to man knowledge of inestimable value. Many are apt to think that the value of "Science" is to be measured mainly, if not exclusively, by the actual power which it has conferred on man--mechanical and electrical devices, explosives, life-saving control over disease. They would say of Science, as the ignoble proverb tells us of Honesty, that it is "the best policy." But Honesty is far more than that, and so is Science. Science has revealed to man his own origin and history, and his place in this world of un-ending marvels and beauty. It has given him a new and unassailable outlook on all things both great and small. Science commends itself to us as does Honesty and as does great Art and all fine thought and deed--not as a policy yielding material profits, but because it satisfies man's soul.