Note 118 — Chapter VIII · The Doctrine of Final Causes in Physiology.

I do not dwell on other arguments which were employed. It was given as a circumstance suggesting the supposed posture of the type, that in this way the back was colored, and the belly was white. On this Cuvier observes (Phil. Zool. pp. 93, 68), “I must say, that I do not know any naturalist so ignorant as to suppose that the back is determined by its dark color, or even by its position when the animal is in motion; they all know that the badger has a black belly and a white back; that an infinity of other animals, especially among insects, are in the same case; and that many fishes swim on their side, or with their belly upwards.”