90 THE PROBLEM OF EVOLUTION 



and I took no notice of them in my closing address 

 at the evening discussion. 



Herr Itelson's historical platitudes regarding the 

 ' crumbling away of the rock of the Church ' call for 

 no detailed comment. With these exceptions, my 

 opponents' speeches are faithfully reported, and I 

 have added critical remarks to them. My closing 

 address was taken down in shorthand, so it can be 

 given in extenso, with my supplementary remarks. 



As my opponents had been speaking for three 

 hours before I could begin my reply at 11.30 P.M., 

 it was obviously necessary for me to express myself 

 shortly, and to limit myself to about half an hour. 

 This fact seems to justify me now in criticising my 

 opponents' speeches, and my remarks here should 

 be regarded as a continuation of the public discussion 

 of my lectures. 



I shall try to avoid all personal bitterness. 

 Professor Waldeyer opened the debate at 8.30 P.M., 

 and addressed the audience to this effect : 



LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, 



I have been asked to take the chair this evening 

 during the discussion. I have agreed to do so, 

 assuming that the proceedings are to be strictly limited 

 to calm 9 genuine 9 and scientific expressions of opinion, 

 and I beg that no speaker may be interrupted by 

 any remarks. Such remarks could only cause 

 disturbance, and would deprive our gathering of 

 its dignified and scientific character. 



