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spirit of evil, as well as a spirit of good, and how far that spirit of evil has 

 been suffered to jDrevail, and for what end, is not for us to determine, and 

 pronounce with any degree of certainty. With reference to the subject of 

 the sjDectral analysis, I may state that I did not wish to introduce that topic, 

 for I find that in several of the papers or discussions in connection with 

 this Institute, that peculiar analysis has its place. I might also have 

 introduced the authority of the Duke of Argyll, if I had not likewise seer* 

 him quoted before in previous papers ; but you will observe that I do say, 

 in § 10 of my paper, that the planets which are apparently so dissimilar, 

 are constructed in the same manner; and the information on which this is 

 affirmed has been obtained, auiong other sources, from the spectral analysis. 

 With respect to what has been said as to the illustrations to be drawn from 

 the Bible, I would desire very briefly to observe, that as each stratum of the 

 earth's surface is essential for the uniform production of those things which are 

 requisite to our existence, so I hold that you cannot eliminate a single book 

 froni the Bible without interfering with the beautiful uniformity of design that 

 pervades the whole of the Word of God. Every stratum cf the earth has its 

 particular adaptation, each helping to produce the general result ; and in the 

 same way, whatever casket you unfold in the Word of God, from Genesis to 

 Eevelation, you will be sure to find some precious jewel regarding Jesus 

 Christ, which, whether it be put before us in the shape of prophecy, parable, 

 symbol, or type, is Illustrative of the great truth to be afterwards disclosed 

 when ill the fulness of time the occasion arrives. (Hear, hear.) AVith 

 reference to what has been adduced in relation to the character of the 

 Egyptian monuments, I think it would not be wise for us to trust to 

 the colouring which has been en)ployed on the various vases and 

 tombs that have been discovered in Egypt. I hardly think that the 

 Egyptians knew much about tlie art of colouring, and I do not regard 

 the fact that some of the figures were delineated in black pigments 

 as a very strong argument that they were intended to be represented as- 

 black. And then, with regard to the question how far the sun has an eflect 

 upon human beings, so as to produce a remarkable colour which is capable of 

 being inherited, is a matter that has been very little touched upon as yet. I 

 know that in the, case of tribes of the Mexicans, originally descended 

 from Europeans, you would suppose that they were approaching half- 

 way to what is termed the black colour, simply from the constant exposure 

 to the sun, as well as from peculiarities of food, and so forth. In my opinion, 

 we have a great deal yet to learn with regard to this question of colour and 

 pigment ; and the subject is, I confess, one upon which I am too ignorant to 

 know how it could be properly treated. With regard to the general eff'ect of 

 the paper, I have simply to say that I should be very happy to receive from 

 any one here, any suggestion which he would like to see developed in 

 ome other form ; but I must add that it is very necessary that papers, such 

 ;us are read at these meetings, should not contain too much ; and it is, I 

 think, iMllif.'r a good fault if, when we go away from an entertainment, 



