ON THE PRDIGREE OF THE CORAL-REEFS OF ENGLAND. 205 
great in view of the existence among the reef-corals of indi- 
viduals associated together in a gelatinous mantle, penetrated 
by threads which are connected with the individual polyp, 
so that all contribute in common to the maintenance of the 
coiony. The coral-animal being one of the radiate creatures 
im which there is symmetry between two or more segments, 
any differentiation in any part necessitates a twofold or four- 
fold change in the entire structure—a circumstance which 
renders specific change without renovation almost incon- 
ceivable. 
Taking into consideration the facts referred to, and look- 
ing on a fragment of old Silurian Halysites (Chain-coral) ; 
and a superb lump of Devonian Cyathophyllum; a stone 
from a Carboniferous reef, Lithostrotion ; and a mass of ex- 
quisite Astrea (Star-coral) from the Oolite,—we submit that 
there has been change without advance, and similarity apart 
from any parentage. ‘The alterations were not made by any 
internal property, nor by any evolutionary process known to 
science. 
Until further advised, I must be content to be ranked 
among the ‘scientific ‘Rip Van Winkles,” who have been 
asleep for the last quarter of a century ;” and, in spite of the 
eminent biologist and still. more eminent writer in the 
February number of the Nineteenth Oentury,* express my 
belief in the existence of a vital force in living bodies behind 
and above all other activities. 
Science alone is helpless and dumb before causation ; 
we must either retire from the task in despair, or look up 
to God, and say with the Psalmist, “O Lord, how manifold 
are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: the 
earth is full of Thy riches”? (Psalm civ. 24). 
The CHarrman (Mr. H. Cadman Jones).—I am sure I may return the 
thanks of the Meeting to Mr. Pattison for his very interesting paper. 
Captain F. Perris, F.G.S., (Hon. Sec.).—Two communications have been 
received. The first is from the President :— 
“ Lensfield Cottage, Cambridge, 
“Ath April, 1887. 
“T think the case against evolution has been overstated. The limits 
of species are very uncertain; and it is constantly a matter on which 
naturalists have differences of opinion whether so and so are to be 
regarded as distinct species or only varieties. The only logical ground we 
* Page 203, February, 1887. 
Q 2 
