Here's what it means:
* Nature is gradual: Linnaeus believed that change in the natural world happens slowly and steadily, not in sudden jumps. He argued that species evolve through small, incremental changes over long periods. This was in contrast to the prevailing view at the time that species were fixed and unchanging.
* Continuity: Linnaeus saw a strong interconnectedness and continuity between different species. He organized the natural world into a hierarchical system, highlighting the gradual transitions between different forms of life.
* Observable change: While Linnaeus didn't propose a mechanism for evolution (which was later explained by Darwin), his emphasis on gradual change in nature implied that these changes were observable over time.
It's important to note that Linnaeus' views were not entirely accurate in the light of modern understanding of evolution. While evolution does proceed gradually, it's not always a smooth progression. There can be periods of rapid change and diversification, particularly in times of environmental upheaval.
In essence, Linnaeus' idea that "Nature does not proceed by leaps and bounds" reflects his belief in a gradual and interconnected natural world, where change occurs steadily over long periods. This contrasted with the prevailing view of fixed species and paved the way for the modern understanding of evolution.
