102 THE CASE AGAINST EVOLUTION 



stitute induction for direct observation. Scientific induction, 

 however, is only valid when it rests upon some universal uni- 

 formity or invariable sequence of nature. Hence, to be spe- 

 cific, the assumption that the time-scale based on the European 

 classification of fossiliferous strata is applicable to the entire 

 globe as a whole, is based on the further assumption that we 

 are sure of the universality of fossiliferous stratification over 

 the face of the earth, and that, as a matter of fact, fossils are 

 always and everywhere found in the same order of invariable 

 sequence. 



But this is tantamount to reviving, under what Spencer calls 

 *'a transcendental form," the exploded ''onion-coat" hypothe- 

 sis of Werner (1749-1817). Werner conceived the terrestrial 

 globe as encircled with successive mineral envelopes, bas- 

 ing his scheme of universal stratification upon that order 

 of sequence among rocks, which he had observed within the 

 narrow confines of his native district in Germany. His hy- 

 pothesis, after leading many scientists astray, was ultimately 

 discredited and laughed out of existence. For it finally be- 

 came evident to all observers that Werner's scheme did not 

 fit the facts, and men were able to witness with their own eyes 

 the simultaneous deposition, in separate localities, of sedi- 

 ments which differed radically in their mineral contents and 

 texture. Thus it came to pass that this classification of strata 

 according to their mineral nature and physical appearance 

 lost all value as an absolute time-scale, while the theory it- 

 self was relegated to the status of a curious and amusing epi- 

 sode in the history of scientific fiascos. 



Thanks, however, to Wm. Smith and to Cuvier, the dis- 

 carded onion-coat hypothesis did not perish utterly, but was 

 rehabilitated and bequeathed to us in a new and more subtle 

 form. Werner's fundamental idea of the universality of a given 

 kind of deposit was retained, but his mineral strata were re- 

 placed by fossiliferous strata, the lithological onion-coats of 

 Werner being superseded by the biological onion-coats of our 

 modem theory. The geologist of today discounts physical 



