368 Prof. Pictet on the Diluvial Epoch. 



probable, that others of less importance might also be traced 

 in a similar manner. 



The true interest of organic chemistry, in a scientific point 

 of view, and independently of its useful applications, seems to 

 consist in the discovery and tracing of analogies more or less 

 perfectly developed with such inorganic types as we have been 

 noticing. It is these last, which are of a steady, undeviating, 

 and consistent character, capable of being traced through 

 the compounds of upwards of fifty distinct elements. In 

 these combinations a beautiful analogy prevails, and this we 

 can follow out in a manner which leaves nothing to mere con- 

 jecture. If organic chemistry were as certain and well de- 

 fined in its combinations, with the difference only that the 

 substances uniting were themselves compounded, it would 

 afford a perfect system also. This, however, is very far from 

 being the case, at least at present ; but as it is evident that 

 nature endeavoui's, as it were, to follow out, within certain 

 limits in organic combinations, the analogy of inorganic bodies, 

 our main object ought always to be to discover such resem- 

 blances where they really exist. There is little doubt, however, 

 that there are other principles of combination applicable to or- 

 ganic bodies, deviating from the inorganic types, which we have 

 been considering ; and although it is much to be feared that 

 they are much less well defined, and more complex and uncer- 

 tain, yet it is, of course, the duty of the chemist to endeavour 

 to discover them if he can. If they should ultimately prove 

 to be capable of being systematised, they will form a new fabric, 

 exhibiting its own peculiar principles of construction. 



St Andrews, 23ci Aucjuit 1845. 



On the Diluvial Epoch. By Professor F. J. PiCTET of Geneva. 



The examination of a considerable number of fossil bones 

 from the caves of I ranee, and of the bones found in the gravel 

 of the environs of Geneva, as well as a comparison of the dif- 

 ferent memoirs published on the organic remains of the dilu- 

 vial epoch, have led me to form a different opinion from that 

 generally entertained on this subject. 



