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on this difficult subject went the other way ; but I did mean to say that even 
supposing that to be the case, for argument’s sake, I could not accept the 
production of a higher form from mere molluscs or anything of that sort. I 
think there are insuperable difficulties in the way of those who would 
maintain that all creatures, the highest — man himself,-- included, were pro- 
duced from inorganic matter simply running into form of its own accord. 
As my mind is not of a metaphysical, but rather of a practical cast, I 
have not gone into the metaphysics of the question as to design in the 
existence of mathematical truths and things of that sort. The way in 
which I look on design is very homely. I regard it much in the same way 
that was mentioned long ago by Paley in his Natural Theology , when he 
spoke of the difference between a man’s impression in picking up a stone 
on a common and in picking up a watch. Possibly the man would merely 
say with regard to the stone that it had been there for ever, but he would 
not say the same of the watch. With regard to one expression in reference 
to the molecules having all the stamp of a manufactured article, I should 
state that when Professor Clerk Maxwell used that expression, he quoted 
it, if my memory serves me rightly, as a saying of Sir John Herschel’s. He 
adopted it, of course, but it was a saying of Sir John Herschel’s. There are 
some other points, but as it is already so late, I will not dwell upon them, as 
I should only be wearying you. 
The meeting was then adjourned. 
S 
o 
