PREFACE XI 



It is questionable if any mind can keep up with the 

 latest phases of departmental scientific research, so 

 to prevent any misconception as to the trustwor- 

 thiness of scientific facts here adduced, the author has 

 had the more important parts of his work, i.e. the 

 physical, the biological, and the geological, revised by 

 specialists of high authority. The facts in the text, 

 therefore, may throughout be regarded as authoritative 

 as well as up to date. The co-ordination of the facts 

 and the deductions from the facts are the author's. 

 The numerous quotations are made with the object 

 of showing how advanced thought is progressing, by 

 leaps and bounds, in the same order of thought as 

 that adopted by the author. 



The author's best thanks are due to the eminent 

 specialists and other professional men who have revised 

 the work and brought the facts up to date. The labour 

 in most cases has been most generously given. 



December 21st, 1897. 



