_Remarkable Events in the Life of Aristotle._ Introductory Remarks--Birth and Parentage of Aristotle--He studies Philosophy under Plato--Is highly distinguished in the Academy--Retires to Atarneus on the Death of his Master--Marries--Is invited by Philip to superintend the Education of Alexander--Prosecutes his Studies at the Court--On the Succession of Alexander, returns to Athens, where he sets up a School in the Lyceum--Corresponds with Alexander, who supplies Means for carrying on his Investigations--Alexander finds Fault with him for publishing some of his Works, and after putting Callisthenes to Death, exalts his Rival Xenocrates--On the Death of Alexander, he is accused by his Enemies of Impiety, when he escapes to Chalcis, where he dies soon after--His personal Appearance and Character--His Testament--History of his Writings--Great Extent of the Subjects treated of by him--His Notions on elementary Bodies--The Material Universe--The Changes to which the Earth has been subjected, and the Eternity of its Existence--Conclusion. Natural History, considered as a science or body of doctrine, commenced with Aristotle, the founder of the Peripatetic School, and one of the most illustrious philosophers of antiquity. His writings were held in the highest estimation by his own countrymen the Greeks, as well as by the Romans: they were considered as the most authentic sources of knowledge, after the revival of learning in Europe; and even at the present day their influence may be traced in the works of many who have not so much as bestowed upon them a cursory glance. It is therefore fit that we should begin our biographical sketches with that celebrated author, the more especially as he did not confine himself to a single branch of natural history, but, like all great minds, possessed an extensive acquaintance with objects of various classes. It is he only, whose comprehensive glance seizes upon what is common to numerous tribes, that can duly estimate what ought to be considered as distinctive of a particular group, or can form rules for the arrangement and description of the beings which compose it. The three greatest naturalists whom the world has produced, Aristotle, Linnaeus, and Cuvier, were men whose conceptions were enlarged by the most expanded views. Others have excelled them in particular departments, but none have equalled them in general knowledge.