1006. Artificial Systems arose from its being found necessary to have some definite modes of distinction; when, as Dr. Lindley observes, ' botanists set themselves to work to discover some method of arrangement, that should be to Botany what the alphabet is to language, a key by which the details of the science may be readily ascertained. With this in view, Rivinus invented, in 1690, a system depending on the formation of the corolla; Kamel, in 1693, upon the fruit alone; Magnol, in 1720, on the calyx and corolla; and finally Limnï¾µus, in 1731, on variations in the stamens and pistil.' (Lindl. Veg. King., Introd. p. xxiii.) All these systems, however, are liable to the very great and insurmountable objection, that, depending on a single feature, they become uncertain if that feature should chance to be altered, as it often is, by any accidental circumstance arising from the soil, situation, weather, &c. Thus, for instance, when the artificial arrangement depends upon the corolla, if from a very dry season, or any other cause, the flower happens to be distorted, it becomes impossible to recognise the species.
