the same methods of research that are applied to the natural-history relations of other animals. What is the place he holds in the zoological scale? what is his distribution over the earth's surface? in what varieties does he appear? what are the functional duties he has to perform? how long does he seem to have tenanted this world? and, looking at his past and present relations, what seems likely to be the future destination of his species? Such are the problems which man's position naturally involves; such are the questions to which science is called upon to furnish a rational reply. Every assertion must be deduced from ascertained facts, and as such is a matter of probation which any qualified intellect can determine for itself. There is no mystery in scientific methods; nothing beyond the comprehension of honest and patient endeavour; nothing that earnest minds may not receive, and honest words fail to convey; and if it were otherwise, the bulk of scientific research would be in vain, and its dissemination hopeless. In the present case we shall endeavour to deal with matters of fact, and content ourselves with simply indicating the necessary deduction; and if this should recommend itself to reason, it becomes a truth-a belief as sacred as any other that may be entertained, and as such deserving the respectful consideration even of those who may hold a contrary opinion. If it be truth and

rational belief, no amount of opposition, from whatever quarter, can prevent its ultimate reception. As astronomy triumphed over the earlier notions respecting the earth's planetary relations, and geology over the views of its limited antiquity, so will science, so long as it is true to right methods, establish ere long more rational beliefs as to the origin, antiquity, and progressive ascension of mankind. In the meantime the battle has to be fought against prejudices and preconceptions; but the warfare will the sooner terminate the sooner that science gives unmistakable utterance to its convictions, and hurls back upon its opponents the unworthy weapons of their unavailing attacks.

As already mentioned, our object in the following pages is to discover what light modern science can throw on the relations which man holds to the rest of the universe. What the position, physical and intellectual, he now occupies? What the functions he has to perform? How or in what manner does he appear to have originated? What, geologically speaking, may be the measure of his antiquity? and what, deductively from the history of the past, seems to be the nature of the course that lies before him? These are clearly legitimate subjects of research; and so long as science abides by scientific methods, she is entitled to a fair hearing and respectful consideration.

The data may be few and doubtful and the results uncertain, still if they have been earnestly sought after and honestly interpreted, they are not to be despised. All knowledge is merely relative, and the more cordial the reception of the narrow information of to-day, the surer and speedier the attainment of the wider knowledge of to-morrow. Where the conclusions are sufficient to produce conviction, let the conviction be avowed; and where failing to induce belief, let them be received at least as well-meant and honest endeavours.

Nor is the investigation of man's where, whence, and whither without its importance to other subjects of scientific research. Archæology, ethnology, and history will derive confirmation or correction according to the conclusions arrived at; and much in the rise and progress of our race which is now irreconcileable under the ordinary views of chronology, may become easy of explanation under the establishment of a higher antiquity. Where history ceases, geology may assist the archæologist in the determination of primeval remains; and where ethnology is puzzled in tracing connections, paleontological discovery may sometimes contribute the necessary information. The establishment of a higher antiquity for the human race, and of an ascent from lower to higher varieties, would give ample scope to views on civilisation, the

development of new nationalities, languages, and religions, and lead to more satisfactory results in ethnology and history. Under a chronology of six or seven thousand years the rise and progress of the human race, with all its varieties, families, and nationalities with all its languages, customs, and religions, seem impossible, perplexing, and confusing : under a wider range of time, the whole evolution becomes natural, comprehensible, and in accordance with what is now taking place around us. On these grounds, even if on no other, the subject would be worthy of research, and the results entitled to a fair and candid consideration.

We have said in accordance with what is now taking place around us; for, be it observed, there would be an end to all reasoning regarding either past or future if we did not believe in the general harmony, the even uniformity and permanence of the methods of creation. This belief is all essential to our inquiry; it lies, in fact, at the foundation of all satisfactory reasoning respecting the appointments of the universe, and without it we cannot proceed a single step in security. "It is true," says a recent writer,* "that this view of the government of the universe does not accord with the feelings of those who desire to have their attention directed in a definite manner to the repeated and

*Physical Geography, by Professor Ansted, pp. 442-3; 1867.

systematic personal intervention of a Divine Power, and who cannot recognise the power without being able to trace what is called the finger or the hand of the Creator in all his works. In a certain sense, no doubt, every contrivance, or in other words, every arrangement in the universe may be made to yield evidence of this. But we would venture to suggest that the noblest view of creation, and a knowledge of the real greatness of the Creator, can only be learned by those who seek to discover the much higher and nobler intelligence that designed the whole system. That there should be an interfering hand is a mark of weakness in the original plan. If the structure be perfect, interference is not necessary." And again, "All true science has for its object not only the observation of facts, but the investigation of methods and the discovery of laws. These laws can only be binding and unalterable because they cannot be changed with advantage; in other words, because they are perfect, as being instituted by One who is himself perfect."

But, independently of scientific considerations, archæological or ethnological, the subject has most direct and important practical bearings. Nations, like individuals, have their idiosyncracies and aptitudes. As one man has a genius for poetry and painting, and another a talent for mathematics and