THE 



CALCUTTA JOURNAL 



OF 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



On the Creation, Diffusion, and Extinction, of Organic 

 Beings. By Capt. Thos. Hutton, Bengal Army. 



It has been a matter of doubt and contention as to whether 

 the days of creation are to be considered merely of the same 

 duration as these of our present computation, or indefinite 

 periods of years. 



It has been asserted, that like the human race, the plants 

 and animals have sprung from a single pair of each species, 

 and diffused themselves from a common focus or centre of 

 creation. With regard to the actual duration of the day, 

 facts will hereafter be adduced to prove it of the same 

 length as these of the present time, and therefore let us 

 now inquire what proofs can be found in support of the 

 other views, or whether they cannot be shown to be altoge- 

 ther untenable. 



First, then, it has been asserted that all animals have 

 proceeded from a single pair of each kind. 



There would appear to be no better reason for this belief, 

 than the assertion that mankind originally sprung from one 

 pair, for with regard to the numbers of the animal and 

 vegetable races, the Bible is altogether silent. 



Now if we take the Mosaic account in a literal sense, 

 and believe them all to have been created on the fifth and 



VOL. I. NO. IV. JANUARY, 1841. 3 O 



