146 Proceedings of the Royal Society 
which the public take an interest. But why should I intrude my 
advice upon men who have shown they know well what is required 
at their hands in a momentous inquiry ? Nine of the most eminent 
geologists of France and England met in friendly conference at 
Paris, and, later, at Abbeville, to compare specimens, to test the 
evidence, to do everything for ascertaining the truth ; and they 
published the proces-verbal of their proceedings in the Natural 
History Eeview” of last August, with the sanction of Dr Falconer’s 
name, and others equally well known. It seems hardly to be doubted, 
that numerous frauds have been perpetrated upon the naturalists. 
When specimens are well paid for, they become plentiful, both in 
England and in France, but there may be means of detecting the im- 
positions, and these means our geologists are using with all care. 
The iron horse-shoe, lately put forth among the primeval relics, has 
been, as I understand, withdrawn ; the bones of elephant and other 
animals, bearing marks of human hands, are not yet accepted by 
these naturalists. As to the Abbeville jaw-bone of a man, whose 
jaw must have ceased chewing long before the flood, there is but 
one opinion in England, which I am informed by Mr Evans is also 
gaining ground in France — that the whole thing was an impudent 
imposition. Mr Prestwich, who was once a believer, published his 
recantation in the last Quarterly J ournal of the Geological Society. 
It may be permitted me, perhaps, as one of the public, to offer 
one more advice to the naturalist. He must take care not only 
that his reasoning is logical, his inferences cautious and careful, 
but he will do well to avoid even the appearance of disputing for 
victory. Science has no enemies if its votaries do not raise them 
up by indiscretion and intemperance. 
I have to apologise for occupying so much of your time, and for 
venturing rashly beyond the boundaries of my own line of study. 
The following Gentlemen were duly elected Ordinary 
Fellows : — 
Alexander Crum Brown, M.A., M.D., D.Sc. 
Alexander Wood, M.D., F.R.C.P.E. 
