question; and, as above said, we propose to treat them in connexion with
Hugh Miller's name, because, throughout his reasonings, he assumes
their truth. Let it not be supposed, however, that we shall aim to
prove what he has aimed to disprove. While we purpose showing that his
geological arguments against the Development Hypothesis are based on
invalid assumptions; we do not purpose showing that the geological
arguments urged in support of it are based on valid assumptions. We hope
to make it apparent that the geological evidence at present obtained, is
insufficient for either side; further, that there seems little
probability that sufficient evidence will ever be obtained; and that if
the question is eventually decided, it must be decided on other than
geological grounds.

* * * * *

The first of the current doctrines to which we have just referred, is,
that there occur in the serial records of former life on our planet, two
great blanks; whence it is inferred that, on at least two occasions, the
previously existing inhabitants of the Earth were almost wholly
destroyed, and a different class of inhabitants created. Comparing the
general life on the Earth to a thread, Hugh Miller says:--

"It is continuous from the present time up to the commencement of
the Tertiary period; and then so abrupt a break occurs, that, with
the exception of the microscopic diatomaceae, to which I last
evening referred, and of one shell and one coral, not a single
species crossed the gap. On its farther or remoter side, however,
where the Secondary division closes, the intermingling of species
again begins, and runs on till the commencement of this great
Secondary division; and then, just where the Palaeozoic division
closes, we find another abrupt break, crossed, if crossed at
all,--for there still exists some doubt on the subject,--by but two
species of plant."

These breaks are supposed to imply actual new creations on the surface
of our planet--supposed not by Hugh Miller only, but by the majority of
geologists. And the terms Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, and Cainozoic, are used
to indicate these three successive systems of life. It is true that some
accept this belief with caution; knowing how geologic research has been
all along tending to fill up what were once thought wide gaps. Sir
Charles Lyell points out that "the hiatus which exists in Great Britain