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contrasting them with that equable and gradual transforma- 
tion which it has been undergoing by the agencies to which 
it has been subject from time immemorial, who does not 
feel that the history of man also is carried far back into those 
dim regions of primeval time in which geology expatiates 
so freely ? * 
The question thus opened of the time of man's first 
appearance on the earth, historically not geologically 
considered, was lately discussed before an eminent scientific 
body with considerable eagerness, but not, as it seems, 
on either side, in a spirit favourable to the discovery of 
truth. On the one side an attempt has been made, on very 
questionable evidence, to establish some definite period — 
20,000, 40,000, 55,000 years, in place of the common 
chronology ; on the other side arguments have been used 
which, not belonging to Science, only confuse and obscure 
a scientific discussion. I will again quote Professor Phillips, 
who says, " Geologists have not escaped censure for 
countenancing speculations which assign to the human race 
a period longer than that hitherto adopted on historical 
grounds. They deserve no rebuke, however, for endeavouring 
to force their way into the citadel of natural truth, provided 
they undertake the siege, after a sufficient survey of the 
difficulties of the enterprise, which in this case are not 
slight." We may presume that there is also nothing culpable 
in the endeavour, by legitimate means, to gain possession of 
the citadel of historical truth. The difficulties indeed are 
obvious. Beyond the highest point, to which the written or 
sculptured monuments of history ascend, whatever that may 
* Professor Owen, at the Meeting of the British Association, at Manchester, 
speaking of the natives of the Andaman Isles, who differ in stature, osteo- 
logical character, language and manners, from all existing eastern races, 
supposes that they may have been an indigenous tribe, who have existed for 
thousands of years in their present state, having been cut off, by geological 
changes, from the Continent of their primitive origin. 
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