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1 20 FACTS AND FANCIES 



similar to those in the eyes of modern crusta- 

 ceans, we have evidence of the persistence of 

 the laws of light. When we see the structures 

 of Palaeozoic leaves identical with those of our 

 modern forests, we know that the arrange- 

 ments of the soil, the atmosphere, and the 

 rain were the same at thai ancient time as 

 at present. Yet, with all this, we also find 

 evidence that long-continued periods of physi- 

 cal quiescence were followed by great crum- 

 plings and foldings of the earth's crust, and 

 we know that this also is consistent with the 

 operation of law; for it often happens that 

 causes long and quietly operating prepare 

 for changes which may be regarded as sud- 

 den and cataclysmic. 



3. Throughout the geological history there 

 is progress toward greater complexity and 

 higher grade, along with degradation and ex- 

 tinction. Though experience shows that it 

 may be quite possible that new discoveries 

 may enable us to trace some of the higher 

 forms of life farther back than we now find 

 them, yet there can be no question that in the 

 progress of geological time lower types have 

 given place to higher; less specialized to more 

 specialized. Curiously enough, no evidence 



