363 
NOTES. 
The following extract from the notes to the preface of Yol. xii. of the Journal 
of Transactions of the Victoria Institute seems fitly placed at the conclusion 
of the present volume : — 
1. Age of the Earth Chief Justice Daly, LL.D., President (for 1878) 
of the American Geographical Society, referring to this subject and a 
careful collocation thereon of the views of Astronomers, Geologists, and 
Physical Geographers, said, it was found that there was “ a wide diversity 
of opinion between them upon the question of time— a diversity so irre- 
concilable as to show that our knowledge is not yet sufficiently advanced 
to admit of any reliable theory as to the age of the Earth.” 
2. With regard to the bearing of recent Geological discovery upon the 
statements of Scripture, more than one paper and discussion referring 
thereto appear in Volume xiii. The following opinions will not be without 
their interest to many : — 
“We need not, in accepting the Bible narrative of man’s creation, 
repudiate one fact accurately deduced from modern scientific research.”— 
The late Eadcliffe Observer (R. Main, 1878). Eelig. Hist, of Man, p. 5. 
(See also Preface, Trans., vol. xi.) 
“Nothing can exceed in truth and grandeur these words (Gen. i.) of the 
inspired historian, * * the most keen-eyed hypercriticism could see 
nothing to object to.” — Ibid., in Aids to Faith. (See also Trans., vol. xi. 
p. 431.) 
“With regard to Physical Science, I think we have seen that its real 
advances are in favour of Religious Faith.” — Ibid., Trans., vol. x., p. 174. 
“ The language of Scripture neither is, nor can be, * * contrary to the 
language of Science.” — Professor Challis, M.A., F.R.S., F.R.A.S., Plumian 
Professor of Astronomy at Cambridge. Trans., vol. ix. p. 140. 
“ The Bible abounds in illustrative references to natural objects and 
phenomena, * * these are remarkable for their precise truth to nature.” 
— Principal Dawson, LL.D., F.R.S. Trans., vol. ix. p. 173. 
“ The great discoveries as to the physical constitution and probable 
origin of the universe, the doctrine of the correlation and conservation of 
forces, * * these, and many other aspects of the later progress of Science, 
must tend to bring it back into greater harmony with revealed Religion.” — 
Ibid., in Origin of the World. (Sep also Preface, Trans., vol. xi.) 
“ There has never been produced in my own mind * * the slightest 
impression that we (he, and those who studied under him) were considering 
facts and laws in any way opposed to Christian Faith, to the inferences of 
Natural Theology, or the deductions from Scripture.” — The late Professor 
Phillips, F.R.S., speaking of his duties as Professor of Geology at Oxford. 
A ids to Faith. (See also Trans., vol. xi. p. 432.) 
“ We all admit that the book of Nature and the book of Revelation come 
alike from God, and that, consequently, there can be no real discrepancy 
between the two, if rightly interpreted.” — Professor G. G. Stokes, M.A., 
F.R.S., &c., Secretary of the Royal Society. (Sec Preface, Trans., vol. v.) 
See also the very important paper read by Professor Stokes, F. R.S., 
before the Church Congress in 1879. 
• VOL. XIII. 2 C 
