Page:Madras journal of literature and science vol 1 new series 1856-57.djvu/69

OCT. — DEC. 1856.]

[Introductory Note on the publication of new species under disadvantages such as describing entomologists necessarily labor under in countries remote from the European centres of science.]

I little doubt that the fallowing descriptions of new Coleoptera will meet with anything but approbation from the entomological world at home. As, however, in spite of this anticipation of an ungracious reception, I shall notice deterred from my purpose of publishing such descriptions hereafter, I may as well try to vindicate this measure, by setting forth the reasons which induce me to consider the difficulties which beset the path of the entomological author in this country, as not insurmountable.

The objections raised against me will be these : that considering the state in which entomological literature still is, that is to say, considering that it has not, generally speaking, been condensed into a certain limited and obtainable number of volumes, as is the case in the higher branches of Zoology and Botany, that on the contrary the bulk of it consists of fragments which float without order in the misty and unfathomable ocean of scientific journals—it is next to impossible that an individual entomologist abroad should surround himself with this shapeless mass of learning, and keep himself by this or other means so well informed of the details of the actual progress of the science, as not to be exposed to mistakes of one kind or another but more especially to the multiplication of synonyms, in attempting to work independently. It will further be urged against me, that not having the facilities and the wholesome check which arise from the diligent use of extensive and well named collections, not even having the gratification of a brother entomologist's views and opinions on doubtful cases, it will be impossible even to determine whether an insect be new or not; and from these reasons it will be inferred, that entomologists abroad should