2 THE HISTOHY OF CREATION. 



Theory of Development, wliicli embraces in its vast range 

 the whole domain of human knowleclofe. 



But the manner in which Darwin has firmly established 

 the latter by the former is so convincing, and the direction 

 which has been given by the unavoidable conclusions of 

 that theory to all our views of the universe, must appear to 

 every thinking man of such deep significance, that its 

 general importance cannot be over estimated. There is no 

 doubt that this immense extension of our intellectual 

 horizon must be looked upon as by far the most important, 

 and rich in results, among all the numerous and grand 

 advances which natural science has made in our day. 



When our century, with justice, is called the age of 

 natural science, when we look with pride upon the im- 

 mensely important progress made in all its branches, we 

 are generally in the habit of thinking more of immediate 

 practical results, and less of the extension of our general 

 knowledge of nature. We call to mind the complete reform, 

 so infinitely rich in consequences to human intercourse, 

 which has been effected by the development of machinery, 

 by railways, steamships, telegraphs, and other inventions 

 of physics. Or we think of the enormous influence which 

 chemistry has brought to bear upon medicine, agriculture, 

 and upon all arts and trades. 



But "much as we may value this influence of modem 

 science upon practical life, still it must, estimated from a 

 hio-her and more general point of view, stand most assuredly 

 below the enormous influence which the theoretical progress 

 of modern science will have on the entire range of human 

 knowledge, on our conception of the universe, and on the 

 perfecting of man's culture. 



