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natural history, of comparative anatomy, and comparative physiology, before 
you can interpret the palaeontological facts of your strata. Then some other 
condition may call for all the powers of mathematics to solve some dyna- 
mical portion of your problem. And as if all this were not enough, Professor 
Kirk has shown us that we must ask the aid of the science of Electricity. 
There has been much boasting lately about the connection of the Old 
World with the New by the electric chain ; and it is a feat of which science 
may well be proud. But the earth-currents and magnetic storms which affect 
that cable, give us a glimpse of the important part which electricity may 
play in the changing structure of the globe. When we consider the vast 
requirements, the vast amount of knowledge a man must bring to bear, 
in order rightly to interpret geological facts when he has discovered them, 
we need not wonder that blunders should be committed. We do not 
complain of the blunders, but we do complain of the tone of infallibility some 
men assume, and the absence of that modest humility so requisite in the 
pursuit of truth. Compare Geology with Astronomy, and you will find that 
the solution of the problems which has raised the latter almost to the rank 
of an exact science, is a far easier task than those with which the geologist 
is called upon to grapple. Professor Kirk h?is asked us, “ What do you know 
about gravitation ? ” You cannot tell what it is. Newton did not profess 
to know. It was to him the name of an unknown force ; though in his 
modest queries he seems to consider it not an inherent property of matter, 
but something external to it. What is the problem of the astronomer ? It 
deals with the motion of bodies under the influence of this unknown force. 
Even here the imperfection of our mathematical analysis shows itself. We 
can only deal with three bodies at a time. And even then, were the problem 
not simplified by assuming the absence of an appreciable resisting medium, 
and many other favourable conditions I cannot now enter into, we could 
neither establish the lunar nor planetary theory. If such difficulties beset the 
establishment of the comparatively easy science of Physical Astronomy, surely 
modesty must be most becoming in dealing with the far more abstruse problems 
of Geology, — a science in my estimation requiring not only a more gigantic 
intellect than that of Newton, but an age equal to the patriarchs of old, for the 
sound solution of some of its easiest problems. I need now only express our 
deepest obligations to Professor Kirk for the valuable instruction he has given us, 
The Meeting then adjourned, 
