THE VALUE OF PALEONTOLOGY. 
I. 
ALEONTOLOGY is an exact science. It embraces general- 
izations or laws obtained by induction, which may be de- 
ductively applied to the unknown. The first law isan illustration 
of the uniformity of nature’s methods; namely, the law of the 
persistency of type. An organized structure once created, and 
existing under circumstances not hostile to its working, is adhered ° 
to with the greatest fidelity, and extended in time and space. 
This constant law is the key to this as to the other biological sci- 
ences, and occasionally surprises the student of evolutionistic 
proclivities. On this basis the possibility of reconstruction of the 
extinct forms of the past will always rest, and the certainty of the 
law is unconsciously admitted by every paleontologist who deter- 
mines, names or classifies a fossil from anything less than a perfect 
specimen. It is assumed every day, and universally allowed, al- 
though occasionally even an expert is found who sometimes ques- 
tions it, and still more frequently an inexpert who does not read 
nature aright. 
The application of the law is, however, various as the given 
terms, 7. ¢., the remains preserved, differ in significance. Thus, 
certain parts are common to all stoves, and distinguish them from 
all other articles of furniture; but certain other parts not only 
belong to a stove, but mark a given pattern of stove, since they 
belong only to it. A still more minute range of appearances is 
found only in one man’s make of stoves, and others in that of 
another man. Hence, a person acquainted with stoves, sewing 
machines, etc., can readily determine the origin of a very small 
part by referring it to its proper kind and make. : 
1¥From the Introduction to Hayden’s reports of the results of the Geological 
Survey of the Territories, Vol, IT. 
