REVIEWS. 
117 
interposition of the hand of Providence, which has from time to time, in 
accordance with the changing conditions of the earth’s surface, and a precon- 
ceived design, created new types of animals* known to us as species ; whilst 
others are of opinion that no such interposition has taken place, hut that 
through the operation of an unknown law, one species has been converted 
into another, and a higher one, during the development of the embryo of 
individuals ; and a third set of observers, following the doctrines of Mr. 
Darwin, attribute the variation of species to external physical causes, namely, 
they believe that it is owing to the capacity possessed by some individuals, of 
adapting themselves to the changing physical conditions by which they were 
surrounded. This capability is believed to have arisen from some accidental 
modification in their external or internal structure, not of sufficient value in 
any one individual to mark it as a distinct species or even variety, but a 
peculiarity which, accumulating in succeeding generations, caused the posses- 
sors at length to assume a different type, and become first specifically, and at 
length generically distinct from their ancestors. Such animals as did not 
possess these peculiarities that fitted them for the “ struggle for existence,” 
naturally died out (according to Mr. Darwin’s theory), and gave place to their 
more fortunate congeners. 
As before stated, the theory of repeated destructions and re-creations has 
been referred to by some theologians, as corroborative of the biblical account 
of the earth’s creation ; and now we have to add that the theory of progres- 
sive development, when taken apart from, any immediate interposition of the 
Creator, has been eagerly seized by the so-called atheists, as evidence in favour 
of their tenets. It is, therefore, not to be wondered at, if the discussion of 
these opposite theories should often have been conducted in an uncharitable 
spirit, certainly, however, without the slightest show of justice or reason ; 
for a reference to the opinions of naturalists reveals the fact that they have 
been held quite irrespective of theological belief ; some, whose views are 
materialistic, still advocating the theory of repeated cataclysms ; whilst many 
who are in other respects completely orthodox, are to be found amongst the 
strenuous partizans of the theory of progressive development through secondary 
causes. The majority of good and thoughtful men, however, are beginning to 
regard the question from a different point of view, and to bestow upon it their 
dispassionate attention. 
Divested of all its exaggerated features, the history of the past and present 
life of the globe is full of romantic interest and instructive lessons ; and 
instead of serving, as it has done, as a bugbear to the ignorant, and a bone 
of contention to rival theologians, it is in reality one of the most important 
problems presented by the Deity for the exercise of man’s noblest faculties, 
and as such we recommend it to the consideration of our readers. 
Mr. Page’s book leads the novice (or even the well-informed reader) 
through the present life of the globe back into the distant past and, in com- 
paratively speaking popular language, relates its story up to the historic era. 
He never wanders into speculations, nor does he, on the other hand, leave 
out of account the most recent and still-debated discoveries ; indeed, as long 
as his account is narrative, he is, as he wishes to be, faithful to the task he 
has undertaken, and has fulfilled it in an accurate, agreable, and reverent 
spirit. 
