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Originally printed in a Supplement of THE ATLAS Newspaper of August30 and December 20, 1845.
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1846.
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The following tractate first appeared in the form of a literary reviewin a supplement of the ATLAS; but two impressions of that journal havingbeen long since exhausted, and inquiries still continuing numerous andurgent, the proprietor has granted permission for the article to bereprinted in a separate, more convenient, and perhaps enduring vehiclethan that of a newspaper.
Few works of a scientific import have been published that so promptlyand deeply fixed public attention as the Vestiges of Creation, orelicited more numerous replies and sharper critical analysis anddisquisition. Upon so vast a question as the evolution of universalcreation differences of opinion were natural and unavoidable. Many havedisputed the accuracy of some of the author's facts, and the sequenceand validity of his inductive inferences; but few can withhold from himthe praise of a patient and intrepid spirit of inquiry, much occasionaleloquence, and very considerable powers of analysis, systematicinduction, arrangement and combination.
In what follows the leading objects kept in view have been—first, anexpository outline of the author's facts and argument; next, of thechief reasons by which they have been impugned by Professor SEDGWICK,Professor WHEWELL, Mr. BOSANQUET, and others who have entered the listsof controversy. These arrayed, the concluding purpose fitly followed ofa brief exhibition of the relative strength of the main points in issue,with their bearing on the moral and religious interests of thecommunity.
It is the fourth and latest edition that has been submitted toinvestigation. In this impression the author has introduced severalcorrections and alterations, without, however, any infringement ormitigation of its original scope and character. More recently appearedhis "Explanations," a Sequel to the "Vestiges of the Natural History ofCreation;" in which the author endeavours to elucidate and strengthenhis former position. This had become necessary in consequence of thenumber of his opponents, and the inquiry and discussion to which theoriginal publication had given rise. Of this, also, a lengthened reviewwas given in the ATLAS, which has been included; so that the reader willnow have before him a succinct outline of a novel and interesting topicof philosophical investigation.
In the present reprint a few corrections have been made, and theillustrative table at