19 



imperfectly outlined the subject and did not 

 conceive my principal ideas. I may say the 

 same of the anonymous author of a book call- 

 ed the "Vestiges of the Natural History of 

 Creation" which appeared about three years 

 ago. The book is in some respects a remark- 

 able production and would possess greater mer- 

 it if its author was not so lacking in scientific 

 knowledge as to place blind faith in a Person- 

 al Diety and its benificent planning of the 

 Universe, and to credulously accept the most 

 unlikely tales of animal and vegetable mar- 

 vels, unconfirmed and poorly vouched for, that 

 one has read outside of the works of Munch- 

 housen and the Brothers Grimm. Both found 

 a lock but neither found its key. Whether I 

 have discovered that key or not, must rest 

 with you and your acquaintances or posterity, 

 Ladies and Gentlemen, to decide^ — your most 

 careful consideration of what I have set forth 

 being earnestly entreated ; for : 

 "Truth, like a single point, escapes the sight 

 And claims attention to perceive it right ; 

 But what resembles Truth is soon descried, 

 Spread like a surface and expanded wide." 



