1 68 



NATURE 



\yune 27,1872 



oceanic circulation to difference of specific gravity, due to 

 difference of temperature or amount of salinity ; but, 

 though this is a vera causa which might in some cases 

 explain similar phenomena. Sir Charles shows, by refer- 

 ence to the observations of Captain Spratt and others, that 

 the currents of the Mediterranean, and, indeed, all ob- 

 served currents, are due to other causes. 



The question of the dependence of climate, both sub- 

 aerial and sub-aqueous, upon geographical conditions, is 

 very important in its bearing upon the changes in the 

 inorganic world. For those who believe that in the 

 history of the crust of the earth we have evidence of alter- 

 nate periods of universal catastrophic action and repose 

 would be quite prepared to believe that in the world of 

 life also there were alternations of destruction and crea- 

 tion ; but to those who hold that the face of the globe 

 has been, and is for ever being, modified by the gradual 

 action of forces always in operation, it seems a priori 

 probable that Nature should have provided the organisms 

 which inhabit this ever-shiftmg earth with modifiability 

 somewhat commensurate with the changes of the world 

 in which they live. 



A mountain has been raised and chiselled out into its 

 present form by operations extending over a period so 

 vast that no one can have witnessed them. A species 

 has been changed into something quite different by pro- 

 cesses requiring a length of time so great that no one can 

 have watched them. 



Whatever may have been the chief causes of the move- 

 ments of upheaval, it is a fact that movements are going 

 on which bring different parts of the crust within reach of 

 denudation, and that, given sufficient time, mountain 

 ranges must be the result. 



So, whatever may be the ori'^iii of the variations, it is 

 a thing definitely known that variations of the same kind 

 as those which are considered to form specific differences 

 do occur ; it is a matter of experiment that these varia- 

 tions can be accumulated and perpetuated by selection ; 

 it is a matter of observation that Nature does select. The 

 burden of proof that there are any limits to variation or 

 nat'iral selection rests with those who hold it. 



It has been objected to the doctrine of the origin of 

 species by natural selection that some totally distinct 

 classes of animals have corresponding organs, so similar 

 that it is difficult to suppose that they can '• ' have been 

 brought about in two independent instances by merely 

 indefinite and minute accidental variations.' Yet these 

 organs in the two types must have been developed in 

 entire and complete independence one of the other ; for 

 it would be impossible to find a common ancestor without 

 going back to some very simple form not yet provided 

 with even the rudiments of vision " (p. 49S). 



Sir Charles quotes Mr. Uarwin and others to prove that 

 in some at least of the cases adduced the similarity of 

 structure was exaggerated. Still it is undoubtedly very 

 great, and the study of such cases and of the mimetic 

 forms which Mr. Wallace has so well described, makes 

 us feel that what we chiefly want to know more about, is 

 the law which governs the tirst appearance of varie- 

 ties. Such facts do not so much furnish arguments 

 against the doctrine of the origin of species by natural 

 selection, as in favour of the existence of some law accord- 

 ing to which external conditions and the requirements of 

 the individuals may tend to produce variation in a given 

 direction. 



How vast and how perplexing are the cjuestions raised 

 by the study of the modern changes of the earth and 

 its inhabitants ; but the calm philosophic spirit which 

 pervades the "Principles of Geology" leads us to hope 

 that it may promote in no small degree that educa- 

 tion which will render it "possible to welcome new 

 truths," although they may at first appear to be " out of 

 harmony with cherished associations of thought." 



T, McK, Hughes 



NOTES 



We are informed that the Directorship of the National Ob- 

 servatory at Marseilles has been offered to Dr. Janssen. 



25,000 rupees have already been subscribed towards the 

 Archdeacon Pratt Memorial Fund. 



We are glad to hear that the local committee at Brighton 

 are forming a temporary museum, to be opened during the 

 Meeting of the British Association. 



The prizes in the Faculties of Art, Science, and Fine Arts, 

 of University College, London, were distributed by the Right 

 Hon. S. Cave, M.P., in the Botanical Theatre of that institu- 

 tion on Tuesday last. The attendance was very small, and 

 several even of the professors absented themselves ; but, not- 

 withstanding this bad management on tlie part of the authorities, 

 the proceedings were exceedingly animated and highly interest- 

 ing to those engaged in the advancement of education. The report 

 of the Dean, Prof, doom Robertson, showed a very marked im- 

 provement in the condition of the College as well as of the 

 School, the number of students during the past session having 

 been greater than in any previous year. Amongst those who 

 distinguished themselves the most notable were four ladies: 

 Miss Orme, who was presented with the first prize and the first 

 certificate for Political Economy, the only class in the Faculty of 

 Arts which has as yet been opened to ladies ; Miss Lupton, 

 Miss Maiden, and Miss Wylde, who received medals in the 

 Fine Arts Faculty. The third certificate in this class was also 

 taken by a lady ; the number in the class being about thirty 

 gentlemen and six ladies. The genuine and enthusiastic applause 

 of the students at these successes leaves nothing to be wished 

 for, except the continuation of that liberal policy for which 

 University College has always been remarkable. Miss Orme 

 had previously greatly distinguished herself at the examinations 

 of the University of London. 



The following telegram has been received at the Admiralty 

 from Aden, dated June 17 : — "Dawson and party have returned 

 to Zanzibar, Mr. Stanley having -arrived with despatches from 

 Livingstone : alive and well." Letters of that date from Aden 

 are now due. 



Besides the Minor Scholarships or Exhibitions at St. John's 

 College, Cambridge, there wdl be offered for competition this 

 year an Exhibition of 50/. per annum for proficiency in Natural 

 Science, the Exhibition to be tenable for three years in case the 

 Exhibitioner have passed within two years the previous xamina- 

 tion as required for candidates for honours ; otherwise the Ex- 

 hibition to cease at the end of two years. The Examinatio n 

 will commence on Friday, the 13th of December ; in ( I ) Chemistry, 

 including practical work in the laboratory ; (2) Physics, viz.. 

 Electricity, Heat, Light ; (3) Physiology ; they will also have 

 the opportunity of being examined in one or more of the follow- 

 ing subjects : (4) Geology, (5) Anatomy, (6) Botany, provided 

 that they give notice of the subjects in which they wish to be 

 examined four weeks prior to the Examination. No candidate 

 will be examined in more than three of these six subjects, 

 whereof one at least must be chosen from the former group. It 

 is the wish of the master and seniors that excellence in some 

 single department should be specially regarded by the candidates. 

 They may also, if they think fit, offer themselves for examina- 

 tion in any of the Classical or Mathematical subjects. Candi- 

 dates must send their names to one of the tutors. Dr. Parkinson, 

 -Mr. Bonney, or Mr. Sandys, before the commencement of the 

 lixamination. The Minor Scholarships are open to all persons 

 under twenty years of age, whether students in the University 

 or not, who have not yet commenced residence in the University 



