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at the Book of Nature in the humble attitude of its interpreter 
and pupil. " In such attitude we must work, in searching 
for truth as for hid treasure. Dogmatism is wholly out of 
place where theories are merely based upon assumptions, 
especially if overlooking the secpience of action of natural 
laws. 
The possibility of maintaining and propagating error, by 
permitting ourselves to be deluded, or partially convinced, 
not to say prejudiced, by one-sided reasoning, and neglecting 
subsequent investigation of the matter submitted, should 
impose caution upon teachers of science. Piazzi Smith, the 
Astronomer-Royal of Scotland, admits that there is a long 
felt physical doubt as to the want of perfect constancy in 
relative position, throughout long ages, between the crust of 
the earth, and the direction of its axis of rotation, and also a 
probable error of the best modern determination. Some 
geologists look to the possibility of change of the only 
solution of the difficulty presented, in demonstration of an 
adequate force, productive of the revolutions disclosed by 
geology. Here, to our teachers, it is all plain sailing. " All 
things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 
All is known, and "easily understood," and there is no 
necessity for innovation of new ideas, or re-interpretation of 
ascertained facts. Such is the view asserted by our Victorian 
authorities. Nevertheless, I again submit my ideas, for 
Magna est Veritas et prevalebit eventually. And I conclude 
with the memorable and noble words of Schiller : ' ' New 
discoveries in the field of his activity, whicli depress the 
mere Trader in Science, enrapture the true Philosopher. 
Even should a new series of ideas, a new aspect of Nature, 
a newly discovered law in the physical world, overthrow the 
whole fabric of his knowledge, he has always loved Truth 
better than his system, and gladly will he exchange her old 
and defective form for a new and fairer one. " 
/ 
Walker, May & Co., Printers (off 56 Bourke-street west), Melbourne. 
