504 NATURAL HISTOEY OF MAN. 



We hope now to have justified the assertion with which 

 we began this article, that there is no subject of science of 

 deeper interest than that which regards the natural history 

 and primitive condition of Man. Even were the questions it 

 involves less remarkable, and less important in regard to the 

 present and future condition of our species, the methods of 

 argument and sources of evidence are such as may well en- 

 gage and engross every rational enquirer. The evidence is 

 drawn from all parts of creation ; from the mind, as well 

 as from the bodily conformation of Man himself. The argu- 

 ment is one of probability; always tending to greater cer- 

 tainty, though, it may be, incapable of ever reaching that 

 which is complete. But this is a method of reasoning well 

 known to be compatible with the highest philosophy, and 

 peculiarly consonant to our present faculties and position 

 in the universe. And if c in this ocean of disquisition fogs are 

 often mistaken for land,' as so often elsewhere, we may at 

 least affirm that the charts are more correctly laid down; the 

 bearings better ascertained ; and that our reason can hardly 

 be wrecked upon this great argument, if common caution is 

 observed in the course we pursue. 



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