Page:The advancement of science by experimental research - the Harveian oration, delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, June 27th, 1883 (IA b24869958).pdf/41

37 at last, by dividing the cylinder longitud- inally, and placing it in the furnace it gradually unfolds and becomes a plane surface. The process is that best adapted to carry out the design of the workman, and so in higher development and with a nobler artificer.

It is difficult to understand, that in the Australian continent the marsupial ani- mals, similar in character to those which existed before the chalk in geological periods, should not have continued to evolve new species, if the laws referred to had been simply in operation; in other countries, the most diverse forms of ani- mal life are recognised, because, we think, new species were there introduced by direct interposition.

There is constant change on every hand, gradual development in every part of the natural kingdom, one variety by almost imperceptible steps is linked on to another, and withal the hand of God is seen in every gradation. Just as in the unfolding of His character and purpose towards man; at first only by type and shadow, until we