I ARGUMENTS FOR EVOLUTION 25 



derived from each other by evolution, there is no 

 reason why the process should not be at all times 

 going on, and why man should not witness it. So, 

 on that point, creationists are entitled to ask of evo- 

 lutionists demonstrations which, conversely, the latter 

 cannot require from the former. 



Without proceeding to discuss more amply the 

 matter so very well discussed by Herbert Spencer 

 in this essay, I wish to recall briefly to your memory 

 the general proofs of organic evolution as they are 

 known at present. 



One of these proofs, or arguments, is that which 

 results from palaeontological studies. Broadly speak- 

 ing, an evolution in the animal and vegetable king- 

 doms is indicated by the fact that the older strata 

 of the earth contain organisms which are simpler than 

 those which are contained in the newer, or are living 

 at present. For instance, no Vertebrates are known 

 in the Silurian strata save some lowly-organized 

 fishes, and it is only in later deposits that the other 

 groups put in an appearance. Of course, much may 

 be said, even now, concerning the provisional con- 

 dition of our palaeontological knowledge. We know 

 but little of the contents of the geological strata, and 

 of the greater part of the globe we are totally igno- 

 rant. Future investigations and discoveries may con- 

 siderably alter the present situation ; and, on the 



