X GEOLOGICAL REFORM 889 



distinct from that which they possess as cooHng 

 bodies ? And has it not also been proved by 

 recent researches that the quahty of the atmo- 

 sphere may immensely affect its permeability to 

 heat ; and, consequently, profoundly modify the 

 rate of cooling the globe as a whole ? 



I do not think it can be denied that such con- 

 ditions may exist, and may so greatly affect the 

 supply, and the loss, of terrestrial heat as to 

 destroy the value of any calculations which leave 

 them out of sight. 



My functions as your advocate are at an end. I 

 speak with more than the sincerity of a mere 

 advocate when I express the belief that the case 

 against us has entirely broken down. The cry for 

 reform which has been raised without, is super- 

 fluous, inasmuch as w"e have long been reforming 

 from within, with all needful speed. And the 

 critical examination of the grounds upon which 

 the very grave charge of opposition to the principles 

 of Natural Philosophy has been brought against 

 us, rather shows that we have exercised a wise 

 discrimination in declining, for the present, to 

 meddle with our foundations. 



