Cope. ] {Jan. 19, 1872. 
that of which something is known. We then with certainty refer that 
something which is known, as an attribute of that object of which the 
same quality had been previously unknown. 
In application to the question of evolution the following preliminary 
facts may be assumed : 
1. Many species are composed of identical elemental parts which pre- 
sent minor differences. 
2. Some of these differences have been seen to arise “spontaneously ;”’ 
that is, characters have made their appearance in offspring of parents 
which did not possess them,—or what is the same thing, are known to 
exist in individuals whose parentage is identical with others which do 
not possess them. 
3. The gradation of differences of the same elemental parts is one of 
degree only, and not of kind. 
4, Induction: Therefore all such differences have originated by a 
modification in generation, or have made their appearance without trans- 
mission, in descent. 
This induction is one of the forms in which the proof for evolution ap- 
pears, though a more cogent argument is that already presented in Chap- 
ter I, of the paper entitled ‘‘On the Method of Creation,’ etc., Pro- 
ceedings A. P. §., 1871. 
The fact that in the majority of species, their origin by descent with 
modification has not been directly observed, in no wise invalidates the 
above argument. Unless they present positive evidence against such 
origin, these are absolutely silent witnesses. He who cites them against 
evolution commits the error of the native of the Green Isle, who was 
present at a murder trial: ‘ Although the prosecuting attorney brought 
three witnesses to swear positively that they saw the murder committed, 
I could produce thirty who swore that they did not see it done !”’ 
Finally, it may be asserted that the Theory of Development is the 
only theory of creation before the scientific world at the present time. 
The author of ‘‘Some Phases,’’ etc., says, in opposition to it, that God 
made the species, and that their gradual evolution dispenses with His in- 
terferences and authorship. Will our author explain to us how God made 
the species independent from the start? No opponent of development 
has attempted to do this, and until it is done, there can be no theory or 
doctrine in the field other than that of Evolution. The Evolutionists not 
only believe with the author criticised, that God made all things, but they 
attempt to show in the field of biology, how He did it. 
If they are correct in their interpretation of the facts, there can be, and 
is, no interference between their views and the purest morality, and the 
most faithful religion. 
Other members took part in the discussion. 
On motion, Mr. Lesley was elected Librarian for the ensu- 
ing year. 
