Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/297

 ; and was soon followed by Dr. Morison, in his Hortus Regius Blesensis; who, pursuant to his own Method, begun a General History of Plants; which he not living to finish, Mr. Ray undertook the whole Work anew, and very happily compleated it.

This great Performance of his, which will be a standing Monument of Modern Industry and Exactness, deserves to be more particularly described. First, therefore, He gives an Anatomical Account, from Malpighius and Grew, of Plants in general: And because the Ancients had said nothing upon that Subject, of which, for want of Microscopes, they could only have a very obscure Notion, all that he says upon that Head is Modern. Afterwards, when he comes to particular Plants, he draws up Tables, to which he reduces the whole Vegetable Kingdom, except a very few irregular Plants, which stand by themselves. These Tables are taken from the Shape of the Flowers, Seeds, Seed-vessels, Stalks and Leaves; from the Number or Order of these when determined, and Irregularity when undetermined; from the Want, or having of particular Juices, Lympha's, Milks, Oils, Rosins, or the like: In short, from Differences, or Agreements, wholly ari-