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566 Proceedings. 
add a word on the subject from the most ancient written record in the world, it is to 
say that there lived, in the days when earth was very young, at least historically, a 
celebrated instructor in all works of brass and iron. So, too, it goes against the 
uniformity of this system when we observe that side by side with the civilization of our 
own day there are peoples who still make use of the flint arrow-heads and the stone 
hatchets supposed to be characteristic of an age long past. One may carry these illus- 
trations further and say that there never were those periods of uniform action and 
uniform phenomena extending over the whole globe at the same time which would cause 
the same effects to be at the same time everywhere produced. I suppose no one will 
now assert that in the Carboniferous epoch coal was being spread at the same time over 
the whole surface of the globe like the several coats of an onion, or chalk in the 
Cretaceous, but it is not so well borne in mind that neither were the fauna or flora of 
those or any other periods uniformly scattered over the face of the earth in the past any 
more than they are now. When, for example, we say that the Saurians are characteristic 
of the Liassie period, we only mean that they were to be found in that period, in those 
climates, and under those conditions which were suitable for ihem. In other climates 
at the same time altogether different creatures might be found. Again, when it is said, 
as it is in Europe, that the Saurians disappear in the great gap which in that region is 
found to intervene between the Upper Cretaceous and Lower Eocene rocks, it by no 
means follows that they are not to be found much later in other parts of the world where 
there may be no such break in the series. In support of this we may refer to the fact 
of the existence in our neighbouring continent of Australia of so many marsupial 
animals, though this group is amongst the first to appear in the geological records of 
the mammalia, and has disappeared ages ago in many regions in which its fossil remains 
are most abundant. Of course no one will accuse me of arguing against all legitimate 
arrangement and grouping of ideas into systems, but my tirade is against the invention 
of systems for system’s sake, for mere artistic effect and the like, and the burthen of my 
theme has been the inculeation of care, deliberation, and breadth of view in the investi- 
gation of the problems of nature. It is only thus we ean hope to arrive at truth! 
Sincerity in the pursuit of herself, is what Truth first demands, but she will not often 
yield to sincerity alone. Faithfulness, large-heartedness, impartiality, and care, must 
go hand-in-hand to solicit her presence. We must seek her too from every quarter, for 
she dwells not within our circle only, thus are all sciences related to each other. All 
physical sciences—this is the smaller circle, and within it all, astronomy, chemistry, and 
the rest, besides their own inherent value, unite their lines of light in disclosing the 
history of the earth. But there are wider circles still, for metaphysics and theology, in 
spite of Positive Philosophers, will live while men have minds and spirits, and these 
sciences are related to the other as the mind is to the body, and the spirit to them both. 
The mysteries may take long unravelling; they will not be extinguished by denial. Let 
faith have her perfect work. To sciencist—earnest, true, and humble—and alike to 
theologian, I say, go on with your interpretations each in your proper sphere, and by your 
proper methods, and in God's name I bid you all suecess— In your patience possess ye 
your souls.” 
