190 



have ofteiij because permanent^ been at once regarded 

 as specific^ may not be sometimes rendered intelligible 

 by a knowledge of the localities in which the creatures 

 have been matured), I do not necessarily open the door 

 to the disciples of Lamarck, or infringe upon the strict 

 orthodoxy of our zoological creed. On the contrary, 

 indeed, I believe that the actual reverse is nearer the 

 truth ; and, moreover, that those very hyper-accurate 

 definers who recognize a "species" wheresoever the 

 minutest decrepancy is shadowed forth, will be found 

 eventually (however unaware of it themselves) to have 

 been the most determined abettors of that dogma, — see- 

 ing that their species, if such they be, do most assuredly 

 pass into each other. 



We must not, however, omit to notice, briefly, how 

 this perversion of Nature's economy took its rise. It 

 was from the desire, which is almost inherent within us, 

 to account for everything by physical laws ; and to dis- 

 pense with that constant intervention of the direct crea- 

 tive act which the successive races of animals and plants, 

 such as are proved by geology to have made their appear- 

 ance at distinct epochs upon this earth, would seem to 

 require. Or, which amounts to the same thing, it 

 resulted through an endeavour to explain by material 

 processes what is placed beyond their reach. But, if 

 this be the case, it may be reasonably asked, — Are mate- 

 rial laws then not to be inquired into, and should the 

 various influences which operate in the organic world 

 around us be debarred from analysis? Unquestion- 



