1884.] 
An Exegesis of Darwinism. 
725 
the second characteristic, it is certain that the records of 
mechanical force or violence on the part of strokes greatly 
outnumber those of heating aCtion. Probably the term 
which eventually will be found to combine precision and 
simplicity in the highest degree will be earth stroke; for 
there is an overwhelming mass of evidence to show that 
lightning strokes spring from the earth, and that the direc- 
tion of their force is invariably upwards. In faCt, Nature 
in this matter amply testifies to the theory deduced from 
laboratory experiments by the great philosopher Symmer 
125 years ago. 
In conclusion, I would observe, in regard to the article in 
the “ Cornhill Magazine ” already alluded to, that it seems 
a little remarkable that any man of ordinary reasoning 
power should deliberately write a paper in a periodical of 
reputation purporting to prove that thunderstones had no 
existence. Who ever for a moment doubted the faCt ? He 
finishes his contribution with a notice of lightning rods, and 
eulogises what he considers to be their beneficent aCtion. 
It is not easy to see what thunderstones have to do with 
these apparatus ; but the writer, after a misleading account 
of their origin, winds up his dissertation on them with the 
words, “ from the moment the thunderbolt was safely dead 
and buried.” A more shallow scientific production than 
this paper it would be difficult to conceive, even among the 
contents of popular magazines usually devoted to the 
interests of fiction. 
November 6, 1884. 
IV. AN EXEGESIS OF DARWINISM. 
By Oswald Dawson. 
PON the 24th of November last — that is, one week 
ago — the “ Origin of Species ” entered upon the 
second quarter of a century of published existence. 
I propose to celebrate the event by writing an exegesis ; 
sentimental regard for this period of years, as for a silver 
wedding, being, however, perhaps less incentive to now 
