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conformable to a pre-ordained plan, it is but rational 

 and in accordance with scientific methods, that the 

 same principles of research be applied to the genesis 

 of man as to the genesis of other animals. We may- 

 believe in a direct act of creation, but we cannot 

 make it a subject of research ; faith may accept, but 

 reason cannot grasp it. On the other hand, a process 

 of derivation by descent is a thing we can trace as of 

 a kind with other processes ; and though unable to 

 explain, we can follow it as an indication at least of 

 the method which nature has adopted in conformity 

 with her ordinary and normal course of pro- 

 cedure. We can admit possibilities, but must rea- 

 son from probabilities, and the probable can only 

 be judged of from what is already known. Than 

 this there is clearly no other course for philosophy. 

 Everywhere in nature it sees nothing save processes, 

 means and results, causes and effects, and it cannot 

 conceive, even if it wished, of anything being brought 

 about unless through the instrumentality of means 

 and processes. " The whole analogy of natural 

 operations," says Professor Huxley,* "furnishes so 

 complete and crushing an argument against the 

 intervention of any but what are termed secondary 

 causes in the production of all the phenomena of the 

 universe, that in view of the intimate relations be- 

 * Evidence as to Man's Place in Natii/re, p. 108 : 1863. 



