ANTICIPATIONS OF NATURE. 471 



do the anchors of the Synapta hold the ground. Yet the very 

 fact that such exceedingly minute objects should be so carefully 

 constructed tells us at once that they must have some important 

 purpose to serve, though at present that purpose is a mystery 

 which no one has attempted to solve. 



I have little doubt that when the hour and the man arrive, 

 as arrive they surely will, we shall find in these tiny and almost 

 unrecognised spicules the keys to treasures of wisdom which 

 at present have been opened to no human being. 



The whole history of the progress of the human race shows 

 that facts have been allowed to accumulate, fought about, and 

 turned in all directions, before the generaliser comes who 

 pierces to the heart of everything, reduces apparent dis- 

 crepancies to harmony, and usually is rewarded by finding some 

 one else assume the credit of his discoveries, and receive all 

 the honours and emoluments, 



