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In the survey which I have taken in the present course of 

 lectures of the genesis, succession, geographical distribution, affini- 

 ties, and osteology of the mammalian class, if I have succeeded in 

 demonstrating the perfect adaptation of each varying form to the 

 exigencies, and habits, and well-being of the species, I have ful- 

 filled one object which I had in view, viz. to set forth the bene- 

 ficence and intelligence of the Creative Power. 



If I have been able to demonstrate a uniform plan pervading 

 the osteological structure of so many diversified animated beings, 

 I must have enforced, were that necessary, as strong a conviction 

 of the unity of the Creative Cause. 



If, in all the striking changes of form and proportion which 

 have passed under review, we could discern only the results of 

 minor modifications of the same few osseous elements, surely we 

 must be the more strikingly impressed with the wisdom and power 

 of that Cause which could produce so much variety, and at the 

 same time such perfect adaptations and endowments, out of means 

 so simple. 



For, in what have those mechanical instruments, the hands 

 of the ape, the hoofs of the horse, the fins of the whale, the trowels 

 of the mole, the wings of the bat, so variously formed to obey 

 the behests of volition in denizens of different elements in what, 

 I say, have they differed from the artificial instruments which we 

 ourselves plan with foresight and calculation for analogous uses, 

 save in their greater complexity, in their perfection, and in the 

 unity and simplicity of the elements which are modified to con- 

 stitute these several locomotive organs? 



Everywhere in organic nature we see the means not only sub- 

 servient to an end, but that end accomplished by the simplest 

 means. Hence we are compelled to regard the Great Cause of 

 all, not like certain philosophic ancients, as a uniform and quies- 

 cent mind, as an all pervading anima mundi, but as an active and 

 anticipating intelligence. 



By applying the laws of comparative anatomy to the relics of 

 extinct races of animals contained in and characterizing the dif- 

 ferent strata of the earth's crust, and corresponding with as many 

 epochs in the earth's history, we make an important step in 

 advance of all preceding philosophies, and are able to demonstrate 

 that the same pervading, active, and beneficent intelligence which 

 manifests His power in our times, has also manifested His power in 

 times long anterior to the records of our existence. 



