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The following Paper was then read by the Author : 
ON THE STRUCTURE OF GEOLOGICAL FORMA - 
TIONS, AS EVIDENCE OF DESIGN. By David 
Howard, Esq., F.C.S. 
T HE examination of the structure of geological formations 
has shown to a surprising extent the simplicity of the 
processes that have brought about the present condition of the 
earth’s surface. We propose, therefore, briefly to examine how 
far this simplicity extends, and whether the evidence of a 
Creative Hand in nature is in any way diminished by these 
discoveries. 
2. The idea of some, indeed, is, that, given a nebulous mass, 
the forces of nature of which we know are quite sufficient to 
explain the formation of the world. Now, even if this be true, 
such theories are not necessarily antagonistic to a true belief in 
a Creator ? Whence came this self-evolving nebula ? So 
marvellous a creation needs a Creator no less than the fully- 
evolved world around us. And what are the forces of nature of 
which we so glibly talk ? It is well for us to consider how 
little we really know what they are, or whence they come, 
before we attribute to them that self-existence which belongs to 
the Divine Essence. It is undoubtedly the case, that the more 
we study the structure of the earth the clearer do we find the 
indications, in many of the strata at any rate, of the probable 
mode of formation from pre-existing rocks; but the more 
carefully we follow out the problem into detail, the more we 
shall be struck by the order and fitness which prevail every- 
where in the result, and which show an overruling design so 
well marked, that it is absolutely inconceivable that it should be 
the result of chance. If we find that the “ forces of nature ” 
in their action through past ages, have been so tempered as to 
preserve that fitness for supporting life that we see in the 
world around us, and by marvellous compensation reproduce the 
very strata that they seemed to destroy ; if, instead of bringing 
