Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. Theories Of The Mode Of Action Of Certain Traits. "No impartial judge can doubt that the roots, as it were, of those great faculties which confer on Man his immeasurable superiority above all other animate things are traceable far down in the animate world."--Huxley. THIS age is peculiarly one of invention, of scientific research, investigation, and demonstration. The invention of the numerous and varied instruments used in the discovery of the laws and application of the apparently inexhaustible forces of Nature proves to us that there is nothing created in vain. Recent discoveries in light, color, sound, electricity, and the atmospheres are opening to us the most subtle powers in the great laboratory of Nature. Examine them as we will, destructive as many seem, they have each a use in the great scheme of Nature. Electricity is a creator and a destrover; air tears down and rebuilds; the atmospheres tend to both life and death. The forces which seem beneficent act also a malevolent part. Why is this? Why does God permit sin? These are questions which theologians have grappled with, unsuccessfully, for centuries. It is only the scientist who, aided by a persistent and intelligent "interrogation of Nature," can answer these questions. The invariable conclusion will be, that everything has its use and place in the world; that nothing is made in vain; that thunder and lightning are useful; that birds and beasts of prey are necessary. Even snakes, gnats, flies, fleas, and other destructive and annoying creatures have their use in the world. So in the human family all those passions which, unrestrained and not balanced by justice and reason, cause destruction and suffering, are, in the present undevelo]>ed condition of large...
