centuries.

The founders of this society, with a deep sense of the unity of nature,
have combined in the completest manner, all the branches of physical
knowledge, and the historical, geometrical, and experimental philosophy.
The names of natural historian and natural philosopher are here,
therefore, nearly synonymous, chained by a terrestrial link to the type
of the lower animals. Man completes the scale of higher organization. In
his physiological and pathological qualities, he scarcely presents to us
a distinct class of beings. As to what has brought him to this exalted
object of physical study, and has raised him to general scientific
investigation, belongs principally to this society. Important as it
is not to break that link which embraces equally the investigation
of organic and inorganic nature, still the increasing ties and daily
developement of this institution renders it necessary, besides the
general meeting which is destined for these halls, to have specific
meetings for single branches of science. For it is only in such
contracted circles,--it is only among men whom reciprocity of studies
has brought together, that verbal discussions can take place. Without
this sort of communication, would the voluntary association of men in
search of truth be deprived of an inspiring principle.

Among the preparations which are made in this city for the advancement
of the society, attention has been principally paid to the possibility
of such a subdivision into sections. The hope that these preparations
will meet with your approbation, imposes upon me the duty of reminding
you, that, although you had entrusted to two travellers, equally, the
duty of making these arrangements, yet it is to one alone, my noble
friend, M. Lichtenstein, that the merit of careful precaution and
indefatigable activity is due. Out of respect to the scientific spirit
which animates the Society of German Naturalists and Natural Philosophy,
and in acknowledgment of the utility of their efforts, government have
seconded all our wishes with the greatest cheerfulness.

In the vicinity of the place of meeting, which has in this manner been
prepared for our general and special labours, are situated the museums
dedicated to anatomy, zoology, oryctognosy, and geology. They exhibit to
the naturalist a rich mine for observation and critical discussion. The
greater number of these well-arranged collections have existed, like
the University of Berlin, sca