Meaning: The quote you've provided is a reference to the work of two prominent 19th-century scientists, Georges Cuvier and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, and it is attributed to Richard Owen, who was also a renowned biologist and paleontologist. The quote suggests that Cuvier had already identified and described various types and levels of variation in living organisms before Lamarck. This statement alludes to a significant debate in the history of evolutionary biology regarding the mechanisms and patterns of species change.

Georges Cuvier (1769–1832) was a French naturalist and paleontologist, often referred to as the father of paleontology. He is best known for his work on comparative anatomy and for establishing the idea of catastrophism, which proposed that the Earth's history was punctuated by sudden, catastrophic events that led to the extinction of species. Cuvier's approach to the study of fossils and living organisms laid the groundwork for the field of paleobiology, and his meticulous anatomical studies of different species contributed to the understanding of the diversity of life forms.

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829), a contemporary of Cuvier, was a French naturalist and biologist who is widely recognized for his theory of the inheritance of acquired characteristics and his early ideas about the transmutation of species. Lamarck proposed that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetimes to their offspring, and he suggested that this process drove the evolution of species over time. While Lamarck's ideas were influential in the development of evolutionary thought, they were later largely superseded by Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Richard Owen (1804–1892) was a British biologist and paleontologist who made significant contributions to the study of vertebrate anatomy and paleontology. He is best known for coining the term "dinosaur" and for his work on the classification of extinct reptiles and mammals. Owen was a contemporary of both Cuvier and Lamarck and was actively involved in the scientific debates of his time, particularly those related to evolutionary theory and the diversity of life on Earth.

The quote attributed to Owen seems to acknowledge Cuvier's contributions to the understanding of variation in living organisms. Cuvier's approach to comparative anatomy and his recognition of distinct patterns of variation within species would have been influential in the scientific discourse of the time. It is important to note that the quote does not necessarily imply that Cuvier's ideas directly contradicted or precluded Lamarck's, but rather that Cuvier had made significant contributions to the study of variation prior to Lamarck's work gaining prominence.

In summary, the quote provides a glimpse into the historical context of early evolutionary thought and the contributions of key figures such as Cuvier and Lamarck. It reflects the ongoing dialogue and exchange of ideas among scientists during a pivotal period in the development of evolutionary theory. The works of Cuvier, Lamarck, and Owen continue to be studied and appreciated for their lasting impact on the fields of paleontology, comparative anatomy, and evolutionary biology.