IN EVOLUTION FROM A GEOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW. 169 
almost more forcibly predicates Theism, than does any other 
method by which it is conceivable that the present state of 
nature could have been effected. This point I propose to 
consider more at large further on. At present I only premise 
that from a Christian standpoint I am prepared, freely and 
fearlessly, to accept extreme evolution as a probability, if its 
probability be proved, or as an established fact if it can be 
established as a fact. My only practical difficulties are upon 
the scientific side. 
5. I will begin by stating some of these difficulties to 
extreme evolution in itself (as apart from the postponed ques- 
tion whether it be automatic or controlled). I know that 
Embryology brings many and great arguments to bear upon 
it which Iam not at all competent to weigh in detail. With 
the exception therefore of some general remarks upon them, 
I will treat the matter only from the sides of practical 
geology and elementary mathematics. 
5 (1). The first difficulty may be simply illustrated by a dia- 
gram. Existing life consists of a number of animal and vege- 
table species, vastly numerous but not infinite. It is possible to 
imagine a far vaster number of other possible forms; and as 
«a matter of fact, even now, unknown existing species are 
being constantly discovered, yet without appreciably in- 
creasing the ratio of existent to non-existent but possible 
species. Let, therefore, existing nature be represented by 
A B 
X 
the are of a circle, AB, whose centre, X, shall, on the 
assumption of extreme evolution, represent primordial proto- 
plasm. It is the method of the extreme evolutionist to trace 
back the various forms of life from the circumference to the 
