14 The Life and Writings of Agassiz. 



affirm that the numerous types of Cycloidians and Ctenoidians, 

 which are almost contemporaneous, are descended from the 

 Placoidians and Ganoidians. This would be, in fact, to say, 

 that Mammalia, and thus Man, are directly descended from 

 the Fishes. All these species have a fixed time of appearance 

 and disappearance ; indeed, their existence is limited to a de- 

 finite period. Nevertheless, they present, in their general 

 character, affinities more or less close, and a definite co-ordi- 

 nation in a given system, intimately connected with the mode 

 of life of each type, and even of each species. More than 

 this, in all ages, an invisible thread runs through this immense 

 diversity, presenting to us, as a definite result, a continual 

 progress in this development, of which man is the end, the 

 four classes of vertebrated animals the intermediate steps, 

 and the invertebrata the constant accessory accompaniment. 

 Have we not here the manifestations of a Mind as powerful 

 as prolific \ — the acts of an Intelligence as sublime as provi- 

 dent \ — the marks of Goodness as infinite as wise \ — the most 

 palpable demonstration of the existence of a personal God, 

 Author of all things, Ruler of the universe, and Dispenser of 

 all good % This, at least, is what I read in the works of the 

 creation, in contemplating them with a grateful heart. Such 

 feelings, moreover, dispose us better to fathom the truth, and 

 study it for itself ; and it is my conviction, that if, in the study 

 of the natural sciences, these questions were less avoided, 

 even in the sphere of direct observation, our progress would 

 be generally more and more rapid." 



It is not astonishing that such results, accompanied by 

 views so wide, and presented with the irresistible force of a 

 profound conviction, gained for their author the respect of 

 the scientific world. Learned societies vied in shewing their 

 sympathy with him ; and (a distinction then unparalleled) at 

 the age of thirty- four, Agassiz was a member of every scientific 

 academy in Europe. 



England was, at that time, in advance of all other nations 

 in the study of Geology. It was here that Agassiz found at 

 once the richest materials and the greatest encouragement. 

 Whole collections were put at his disposal, and he obtained 

 in this manner many precious specimens. Some of his friends 



