PT. i. Astronomy and Geology compared. 19 



theories respecting the 'age of Man and his first 

 appearance upon the earth. The earlier geologists 

 had adopted the conclusion that the creation of man 

 corresponded in time very nearly with the chrono- 

 logy of Genesis; all their calculations have been 

 disturbed by some later discoveries. There have 

 been discovered under some peat bogs and morasses 

 in the neighbourhood of Amiens a great number 

 of spear-heads rudely chiselled, but which are 

 apparently the work of human beings. It is con- 

 sidered certain that a much longer period would be 

 required for the formation of the morasses of peat 

 under which these relics are buried, and this fact 

 alone has shaken all the conclusions of former geolo- 

 gists. There have subsequently been discovered also 

 caves in which human bones have been found in 

 proximity with those of some species of quadrupeds 

 which have long become extinct; and this has 

 thrown still farther doubt upon the date to be 

 assigned to the first appearance of man upon the 

 Globe. No question can be more profoundly in- 

 teresting to us, whether upon physiological, moral, 

 or theological grounds, than that of the date of man's 

 creation : and yet these latter discoveries appear 

 to have enveloped it in the greatest uncertainty. 

 c 2 



