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A Paper was read by the Rev. W. N. Molesworth, M. A., 

 entitled, " On the Origin of Species." 



The Author of the Paper stated that he was neither the 

 advocate nor the antagonist of Mr. Darwen's theory ; but that 

 he wished to point out the futility of some of the arguments 

 which had been made use of against it, to suggest some 

 additions which he thought necessary to give it completeness, 

 and to ask for it that it should be considered in that spirit of 

 philosophical calmness with which it had been proposed by its 

 Author. 



After giving a brief sketch of Mr. Darwen^s theory, for the 

 purpose of keeping its more salient points before the minds of 

 the audience, and to enable them to follow the remarks he was 

 about to make on it, he pointed out the difficulties which had 

 given rise to it, and the classes of facts which it aimed at 

 explaining. He showed that, regarded as a scientific hypo- 

 thesis, it possessed a value which was altogether independent 

 of its truth or erroneousness, and that the discussion of it 

 would in all probability lead to important scientific results, 

 whatever might be the ultimate fate of the hypothesis itself. 

 He then proceeded to consider some of the objections which 

 had been made to it ; but the greater part of the Paper was 

 devoted to the purpose of pointing out, at considerable length, 

 the influence which changes in the conditions of existence 

 must have in producing variation. He dwelt on the distinction 

 between variability and a tendency to variation, showing the 

 former to be a quality inherent in the organised being, and 

 the latter to be generally a consequence of changes in its 

 conditions of existence; and he quoted some passages from 

 Darwen's work to show that in this respect the theory was 

 defective and required further elaboration. He concluded by 

 expressing his entire approval of the rule of the Society which 

 prohibited the consideration of the theological bearings of the 

 question, a rule which he regarded not merely as a regulation 

 of wise expediency, but as the embodiment of a great principle, 



