CONCLUSION 4 1 3 



ceeded in demonstrating the adaptation of any structure to 

 the exigencies, habits, and well-being of the species, I have 

 fulfilled one object which 1 had in view, viz., to set forth the 

 beneficence and intelligence of the Creative Power. 



If, in all the striking changes of form and proportion which 

 have passed under review, we could discern only the results of 

 minor modifications of a few essential elements, we must be 

 the more strikingly impressed with the unity of that Cause, 

 and with the wisdom and power, which could produce so much 

 variety, and at the same time such perfect adaptations and en- 

 dowments, out of means so simple. For, in what have those 

 contrasted limbs, hoofs, paws, fins, and wings, so variously 

 formed to obey the behests of volition in denizens of different 

 elements, differed from the mechanical instruments which we 

 ourselves plan with foresight and calculation for analogous 

 uses, save in their greater complexity, in their perfection, and 

 in the unity and simplicity of the elements which are modified 

 to constitute these several locomotive organs \ 



Everywhere in organic nature we see the means not only 

 subservient to an end, but that end accomplished by the 

 simplest means. Hence we are compelled to regard the Great 

 Cause of all, not like certain philosophic ancients, as a uniform 

 and cmiescent mind, as an all-pervading anima mundi, but as 

 an active and anticipating intelligence. 



By applying the laws of comparative anatomy to the relics 

 of extinct races of animals contained in and characterizing the 

 different strata of the earth's crust, and corresponding with as 

 many epochs in the earth's history, we make an important 

 step in advance of all preceding philosophies, and are able to 

 demonstrate that the same pervading, active, and beneficent 

 intelligence which manifests His power in our times, has also 

 manifested His power in times long anterior to the records of 

 our existence. 



But we likewise, by these investigations, gain a still more 



