Proceedings, fyc. xxxv 



Natural History," Vol. V., pp. 321 to 410, inclusive; Vol. VI., pp. 1 

 to 1G0 — from the Society. 



After a few remarks from the President, a vote of thanks was 

 awarded to the donors. 



The Hon. Secretary read the following paper, communicated by 

 Pedro Msser, Esq. : — 



On the Elementary Substances Originating and Promoting Civilisation 

 throughout the World. By Pedko Nissek, Esq. 



Our investigations into the abundant and varied stores of nature, when crowned 

 with success, reveal facts, in the truth of which are reflected the simplicity and even 

 sublimity of the means offered by Providence for the furtherance of civilisation.]* 



In the brief view of " The Geological Distribution of Gold," which 

 some months ago I had the honor of communicating to this Society, 

 in referring to the Pleistocene Period of the tertiary epoch of 

 geological arrangements, I stated — "That though it appeared our 

 globe had attained that perfection which was required for the re-or- 

 ganisation of organic development, still the earth would in that state 

 only have served the purpose of an irrational population (just as we 

 see had been repeatedly the case during the foregoing epochs), but 

 not for the intelligent being, who was not merely to master the ani- 

 mal tribes, but also to cultivate his own intellect. For this grand 

 moral object certain material agencies were required and provided. 

 The agency of water being again required, completion was thus given 

 to the great and marvellous workt This last accomplishment in 

 creation, when viewing ' the first leaves ' of the often ' mysterious 

 stone book,' will reveal a surprising and satisfactory answer." — This 

 answer I now propose to give. But I wish first for a moment to 

 call your attention to a view of some of the prevailing notions of the 

 most marked gradations of civilisation in general. 



When we inquire into the aboriginal life of our own species, we 

 find certain gradations in their material improvements, and we see 

 how man, step by step, has proceeded from his state of nature along 



* The word "civilisation" embraces the two distinct branches of culture, 

 the mental and the moral, each of which has its sub-divisions, and in this 

 treatise the material part is maiidy intended for illustration. The actual 

 condition of our fellow beings, who occupy the various sections of the 

 globe, gives a faithfid panorama of all grades, from the most primitive to 

 the most perfect state of civilisation, and in this picture the moral culture 

 offers an ecpially vast and interesting field for contemplation, and which 

 certainly presents more shadow than light. At some future day I hope to 

 sketch out such existing facts as may serve as an outline for a more finished 

 delineation of the "moral progress of mankind." 



+ This period (of such influential importance in creation) I proposed to be 

 distinguished by the name of Post-Pleistocene, as synonymous with "post 

 diluvial, " or " alluvial. " 



