PREFACE. 
XI 
have successfully founded f *' the American Institute of Christian 
Philosophy;^ an independent societjr, but with identical 
objects. 
It will not be out of place here to notice one or two 
questions connected with the progress of scientific research. 
First : The apparent results of the investigations of 
Professor P. F. Reinsch as regards the formation of 
Coal, threaten to revolutionize those opinions which have 
hitherto been accepted amongst Geologists, for he claims to 
have discovered that coal consists of microscopical organic 
forms of a low order of protoplasm ; and states that although 
he carefully examined the cells and other remains of plants 
of a high order, he computed that they have contributed but 
a fraction of the matter of coal veins, however numerous they 
may be in some instances; — it is of course possible that 
further investigations may modify Professor Reinsch/ s views. 
Secondly: The discoveries in Assyria and Babylonia, by 
one of the members of the Institute, Mr. Hormuzd Rassam, 
promise to have a rare interest, and to bear upon the early 
history of those countries.* 
Finally, the now accomplished Survey of Palestine has 
thrown valuable light upon what was before obscure, and 
the information gained has been confirmatory of the truth 
of Sacred History. 
F. PETRIE, 
Hon. Sec. and Editor. 
December 31, 1881. 
* Attention may here be called to a valuable and opportune little work, 
Historical Illustrations of the Old Testament , by the Rev. Canon Rawlinson, 
M.A. (Camden Professor of Ancient History). 
