“Survey Nature’s extended face, then, sceptics say, In this wide field of wonders can you find No art?” But M. Pouchet _does_ find art in nature; he tells us that its ways are intricate and manifold, but still that it all arises from some germ spontaneously generated, he cannot say how. With this exception, which some may think no fault at all, I recommend this book heartily to the Fellows of the Society and the public generally. The clearness and even brilliancy of M. Pouchet’s very peculiar style are soon discoverable, and it is not astonishing that his book has had a great success in France. That such will be the case in its English form is my sincere wish. I must thank my friend Mr. Carter Blake especially for many kind and valuable hints, and I need scarcely say, in conclusion, that as much care as possible has been taken with the translation and editing. I now commit this little work to the kind consideration of the Society and the world. It is for them to judge how my duties have been performed. H. J. C. B. _London, August 30th, 1864._ TO PROFESSOR RICHARD OWEN. Sir,--I begged to be allowed to dedicate to you the first edition of this essay, in remembrance of the kind hospitality I formerly received from you in the cottage at Mortlake, and of our long conversations, in which you were so ready with good advice. The debt of hospitality can never be repaid. I am happy to be able once more to express my gratitude to you, and my admiration of your great works. GEORGES POUCHET. _Muséum de Rouen, July 1st, 1864._ AUTHOR’S PREFACE. I now offer to the public the second edition of a book whose success has far surpassed my expectations. Received with kindness by some, it has been violently attacked by others. It was denounced to the highest representatives of the university authority on which I depended, and I owed my escape from the trouble which might have been drawn on me,--because I brought forward a scientific opinion in disagreement with the books attributed to the prophet Moses,--to the justice of one of the most honoured members of the Institute. I owe a large debt of gratitude to my illustrious protector. The mind has advanced during six years, and the same troubles will not be met with again.