Page:Jardine Naturalist's library Entomology.djvu/71

Rh of a cotemporary of De Geer's, the celebrated Reaumur; and, as it was the works of the latter which had the greatest influence in stimulating the zeal of the Swedish naturalist for the study, it is natural to institute some comparison between them. As the result of this comparison, it may be briefly affirmed, that Reaumur shows greater skill in making his observations, more felicity in planning experiments, and a readier power of exciting interest in the narration of them; but De Geer is less prolix in detailing facts, more precise, and infinitely more methodical. The absence of the latter quality in the French philosopher has rendered it impossible, in many instances, to determine the objects to which his observations refer. As a disciple of Linnæus, De Geer could not fail to be early impressed with the value of system, and that which he framed for the arrangement of insects claims a brief notice. In a tabular form, it will stand thus:—