8 
m ay be examined, in order, if they are incorrect, that their 
fallacy may be demonstrated, now publishes them that science 
generally may scrutinize them. Recognized facts forming the 
common store from which all must draw the bases of scientific 
inductions, every established fact added to the general stock 
is an actual gain ; and so long as a possibility of error exists 
in preconceived opinions, every new system of interpretation 
of natural phenomena by an earnest investigator, untrammelled 
by rigid adherence to authoritative opinions, where absolute 
proofs are wanting, is entitled to a hearing. 
In this Essay, as recently re- written for publication, will 
be found allusions to questions not submitted to the Royal 
Society, but of interest alike to the scientist and theologian. 
In the lecture on Science and Scripture, by the Bishop of 
Melbourne, he avowed his belief that "much of what is 
called science is nothing else than arbitrary and unphiloso- 
phical hypothesis," yet, as " not possessed of extensive 
scientific knowledge, he implicitly believed, and had no more 
doubt of " certain theories of science than he had of the most 
important passages of the Divinely inspired narration of 
Gospel truths. Yet these theories may be but feasible 
explanations of natural phenomena, perhaps, therefore, 
misinterpreted ; and, but for this mode of shelving such 
questions, by assuming their position as on a basis of truth, 
analysis of them by earnest investigators, might result in 
discovery of facts pointing to wholly different conclusions. 
Leaders in theology, especially, should be careful to take 
nothing for granted without adequate proofs, when militating 
against any apparent assertion of the Deity, conveyed by 
inspiration to the writers of Sacred Scripture. If they do, 
they abandon their high prerogative as casuists. 
Bangholjie, Dandenong, July, 1875. 
