290 Proceedings of the Poyal Society 
to organ, and bone to bone. ‘^Adherence to Type’' are words 
expressive of an idea, of a purpose, which we see fulfilled in 
organic forms. But this purpose must have sought its own accom- 
plishment by the use of means, and the question of science always 
is, what were these? Love of beauty is equally a purpose which 
we see fulfilled in nature, but in the case of the Humming- 
birds this has been accomplished by giving to their plumes the 
structure of thin plates,” which decomposes light and flings 
back its prismatic colours to the eye. Fitness and special adap- 
tation is another of the purposes of creation, but this also is attained 
through the careful arrangement, and pliability to use, of physical 
laws. In like manner, “ Adherence to Type” is the expression 
of a fact, or the statement of a purpose, which, like all the other 
purposes fulfilled in nature, invites to an investigation of the in- 
strumentality employed. We see the purpose but we do not see 
the method. We see the purpose, for example, in the wonderful 
adaptability of the vertebrate type to the infinite varieties of life to 
which it serves as an organ and a home. There is at least one 
conclusion which I hold to be certain, namely, this — that no theory 
in respect to the means and method employed in the work of crea- 
tion, can have the slightest effect in removing that work from the 
relation in which it stands to the attributes of creative W^ill. 
We cannot too completely shake off the notion that things which 
happen by way of “ natural consequence” are thereby removed from 
being the effect of purpose and the work of Will. We forget that all 
our own works are works done through the use and instrumentality 
of natural forces, and it is knowledge and intelligence alone which en- 
able us to combine these forces for the accomplishment of our designs. 
All that we do, or can effect, is brought about by way of natural 
consequence. The steam-engine works by way of natural conse- 
quence ; so does Mr Babbage’s calculating machine, — so does the 
electric telegraph, — so does the solar system. Everything that is 
done in nature, as well as everything that is done in art, seems to 
be done— as it were — by knowing how to do it. Whatever may be 
the ultimate seat of the elementary forces of nature, they can only 
produce the effects which we desire to attain by being combined 
under the control of mind. They appear to be used in the works 
of nature precisely on the same principle on which they are used 
