138 
forward in favour of scepticism or to oppose revelation. I think, therefore, 
that this society is necessarily confined within limits which prevent its 
entering usefully or properly into the wider field which Dr. Coleman has 
proposed for it. (Cheers.) 
Mr. J. E. Howard.— In reply to Dr. Coleman, and in defence of the 
course I have pursued, I would mention that Professor Tyndall’s address has 
been republished, together with another lecture by him called Science Lectures 
for the People : Crystalline and Molecular Forces. The copy which I have is 
one of the seventh thousand, consequently the doctrines taught go forth 
very widely among intelligent people on the authority of a man who is 
much admired. How are we to meet this ? Certainly by plain speaking 
rather than by taking refuge in mysticism. It would be a superfluous task 
to combat imaginary theories, propounded by imaginary nonentities. No one 
would listen to us, and we should not increase in any way the value of the 
Institute. The next objection which has been made to my paper was in 
reference to my having said that the Greeks knew nothing of exact science. 
Of course, I did not speak of mathematics, but of their ignorance of science 
in the modern acceptation of the term. Dr. Coleman sends me to Cicero l)e 
Naturd Deorum. But what does this book teach of exact science l Dr. Cole- 
man censures me for not having given reasons for the spirit of scepticism, and 
for not having shown how it was to be met. Well, I never undertook to write 
on those subjects, or to prove that Professor Tyndall is a Pantheist. In my 
opinion there is no need for this, as he seems to tell us that unhappy fact 
most distinctly himself. In answer to what was said by Dr. Haughton as to 
the absence of quotations, I must say that I thought I had given plenty. 
But whether I have done so or not, I feel certain that I have not misrepre- 
sented the sentiments of Professor Tyndall. If he had been here, as he was 
invited to be, I am confident that he would not complain that I have mis- 
represented him in any way. These are the chief objections that I have to 
answer, as I have noted them down, at least so far as the discussion seems 
to warrant. 
The meeting was then adjourned. 
