36 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
words used ; and if they he somewhat strong, accept them 
in the least offensive sense, then would discussion assume 
altogether a different aspect, and mutual benefit more fre¬ 
quently be the result. More union, too, would exist 
among us, since assuredly we may have unity without 
uniformity. Truth, of course, is the object being sought 
for; and as this we are told requires digging deep to find, 
so many labourers are engaged in the search for it, and the 
work will only be done pleasantly by a friendly spirit 
actuating those who are so occupied. Petty jealousies, 
and mere personal interests* should always be sunk for 
the general good; and if we are ever to take our proper 
position in society, and our profession is to be estimated as 
it merits, not only must this be the case, but the apathy 
that prevails among us give place to earnest zeal and a 
determination to press onwards. 
By these strictures—which we hope will not prove value¬ 
less—we are reminded of a fact in natural history : there 
is a variety of the Asterias, which, when committing suicide, 
first throws off its arms, then breaks up its centre, so that 
nothing remains of one of the most beautiful forms in 
nature but a thousand wriggling fragments. Let us not 
be like it. 
Although it may not be said of us “ Sic vos non vobis,” 
having had a desire to obtain the guerdon for our labours, 
yet we doubt not that much we have done will be 
questioned as to its judiciousness. A celebrated writer 
has said, “ I would that every fastidious judge of authors 
were himself obliged to write—there goes more to the com¬ 
pilation of a volume than many critics imagine.” The 
golden rule might profitably be acted upon here. But all 
men no more think alike than they grow alike. It would 
be a dream of cloud-land to expect it. Nor is it desirable 
that they should. Perfect uniformity would lead to mono¬ 
tony in the natural world, and be a stop to advancement in 
the mental. The rays of light differ in their hues and 
brilliancy ; the trees vary in their form, character or kind; 
and the types of animal creation are severally adapted 
to the sphere in which they exist. There is no doubt the 
