566 Proceedings. 



add a word on the subject from the most ancient written record in the world, it is to 

 Bay that there hved, 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 Liassic period, we only mean that they were to be found in that period, in those 

 climates, and under those conditions which were suitable for them. In other climates 

 at the same time altogether dift'erent 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 inculcation of care, deliberation, and breadth of view in the investi- 

 gation of the problems of nature. It is only thus we can 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 cu'cle, and within it all, astronomy, chemistry, and 

 the rest, besides their own inherent value, unite then- 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 uui-avelliug ; 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 success — " In your patience possess ye 

 your souls." 



