PREFATORY ADDRESS. 
ance, adaptation, and design. The philosophic and truth-loving naturalist perceives that 
in all epochs of the world’s history, in wdratever condition its cosmical elements have 
appeared, the laws prevailing hitherto are the same as those in operation at the present 
day ; and the singularly varied results that we now witness are regulated by the degree, 
direction, and conditions imposed upon those laws by the all-wise Creator, who alone is 
capable of ordaining or abrogating their existence. 
Having thus particularized the more palpable advantages legitimately deducible from the 
pursuit of Natural History science in its social, practical, and intellectual bearings, we are by 
no means willing to halt, but, on the contrary, propose to advance yet another step, in view 
of enforcing a still higher claim for its consideration. Ere, therefore, we weigh anchor, and 
suffer our volume to brave the waves of public opinion, we invite attention to another 
argument, which shall serve as ballast for the outward voyage. 
For Biological science, that is to say, for Natural History in the widest acceptation of the 
term, we claim especial consideration on the score of morality, and, in doing so, we can power- 
fully appeal to the honest convictions of one of her most favoured sons, whilst we take leave, 
at the same time, to add the testimony of our own less cogent experience. In the eminently 
philosophical address by Professor Huxley, “ On Natural History, as Knowledge, Discipline, 
and Power,” delivered in the capacity of Fullerian Professor at the Royal Institution in 1856, 
the argument is stated thus : — “ Let those who doubt the efficacy of science as moral dis- 
cipline, make the experiment of trying to come to a comprehension of the meanest worm or 
weed — of its structure, its habits, its relation to the great scheme of nature. It will be a most 
exceptional case, if the mere endeavour to give a correct outline of its form, or to describe its 
appearance with accuracy, do not call into exercise far more patience, perseverance, and self- 
denial than they have easily at command ; and if they do not rise up from the attempt, in 
utter astonishment at the habitual laxity and inaccuracy of their mental processes, and in some 
dismay at the pertinacious manner in which their subjective conceptions and hasty precon- 
ceived notions interfere with their forming a truthful comprehension of objective fact. There 
is not one person in fifty whose habits of mind are sufficiently accurate to enable him to give 
a truthful description of the exterior of a rose !” 
We cordially endorse these sentiments, and are perfectly satisfied that durable profit in 
science rests, not merely with those who have talent and opportunity to bring themselves into 
notice, but with those who, in addition to these absolutely necessary advantages, have learnt 
to discipline their minds in the moral qualities of courage, probity, and patience. Were 
it our intention to enlarge very fully on this topic, many illustrations of the moral effects 
produced by an investigation of the works of Nature might be brought forward; but, on 
such lofty ground, a cautious tread is necessary. 
It is true that things familiarly known and understood often fail to leave their due impres- 
sion on the mind ; yet this evanescence is in a great measure counterbalanced in those who 
