xiv EDITOE^S PREFACE. 



the opinions of theologians (as such) respecting scien- 

 tific facts or scientific deductions. 



Sometimes the author conveys the impression that he 

 writes merely with a view of destroying belief in generally 

 received theological dogmas. I cannot think this impres- 

 sion to be well founded, and the list of his published 

 writings will show that M. Vogt has really been a hard-work- 

 ing scientific student. Scientific men naturally have a con- 

 tempt for those who study theology with a view to attack 

 the deductions of men of science : but it is equally con- 

 temptible for a man to study and write on science with 

 the view to overthrow theological dogmas. The search 

 after truth is the only object the scientific student ought 

 to keep in view. 



The author of this work will have the misfortune to 

 find opponents amongst those who agree with, and those 

 who difi'er from, him. M. Vogt expresses himself with 

 very great freedom when he happens to difi'er from any 

 of his scientific brethren, and the exposure of the foibles 

 of his fellow-workers seems to afford him infinite 

 pleasure and satisfaction. But all who know the author 

 will entirely acquit him of malice ; and his conduct, un- 

 like that evinced in some of the quarrels of scientific men 

 in this country, is not the result of bad temper. 



At the same time I cannot but express my regret that 

 the accomplished author has spoken of our much respected 

 countryman, Professor Owen, in the manner he has done. I 

 equally regret his remarks on Dr. Pruner-Bey and M. A. de 

 Quatrefages, and dissent from his interpretation of the 

 conduct of Dr. Falconer respecting the Abbeville jaw. I 

 think, also, that Prof Vogt has not sufl&ciently acknow- 

 ledged his obligations to many English men of science, 

 amongst whom I would especially name Mr. Prestwich, 



