Year: 1874

This is memorable session of the British
Association for the Advancement OF Science.
Close on the heels of the remarkable address
of its President comes a discourse almost
equally notable on q cOgnate subject from
Prof. Huxley. AS is pointed out in the IN
teresting letter of our regular correspondent
which we print, with a complete report of
the address, this morning. there are
several points of striking similarity De-
tween this discourse and that of Prof.
Tyndall Both speakers approach their sub
iects by means of a historical review but the
intention is not avowed in Huxleys as in
Tyndalrs citations, of bringing into prominent
relief the opposition experienced at ecclesiasti-
cal hands. Each, however, indicates the ex-
pectaton of oppositiOn the one being eager
for the battle, the other, calm, self-reliant, and
ready for combat when the gage is thrown
down by his adversaries. Of the two, the
attitude of Prof Huxley is far more worthy
of admiration; and it is also to be said that
in the selection of his subject as well as III
its treatment, he is more essentially scientific,
and in consonance with the occasion and the
surroundings.


Rather in the logical consequences of the
theory expounded by Prof. Huxley than In
the theory itself-tO which indeed he does not
give full adhesion-will be found the occasion
for a vigorous attack upon his sentiments.
There will be those who discover that the
whole question of the origin of evil in human
hearts and of responsibility for the acts OF
mems hands, is bound up in this exegesis of
the action of animals brains. Ii we are to
push to ultimate conclusions the theory that
the acts of the lower animals are purely
automatic, we shall be confronted Immediately
by the extension of that theory which
is demanded by the similar anatomy OF man.
If this point is yielded we are brought face
to face with the problem presented in the case
of the wounded French soldier who is scruDu-
lously honest when the sound part of his brain
is acting but when under the influence of its
impaired portion is an inveterate thief. In the
latter condition he is plainly an irresponsible
being. who knows not whether he Is eating
beefsteak or asafetida, whether he is smoking
pine shavings or tobacco, whether he is hand
ling a cane or musket. Yet he is the same
being who at other times exhibits no lack OF
ordinary reason or sensibiity.


Not only theological dogmas. but our entire
criminal jurisprudence and the structure OF
society itself, may be to o considerable extent
affected by these problems A prisoner brought
before court of justice for assault might ad-
nit that he struck the blow, but allege that
the act was simply piece of unconscious
cerebratonp An insult from the man he
struck called forth the blow in return, by re-
fiex nervous action. His will bore no moro
part in the matter than would the winking OF
his eyeids if something suddenly approached
his eyes. Certainly no court would at present
accept such plea; but is it utterly at vari-
ance with scientific teachingsf


Justly, indeed, Prof. Huxley observes that
ait is not necessary for any man to occupy
himself with problems of this kind unless he
$50 choose. Life is full enough, filled amply
"tO the brim, by the performance of its ordi-
"nary duties.n Yet with every advance of
knowledge these questions become more i'm
perative and are more clearly presented. Our
thanks should ever be accorded to that class of
investigators who, like Prof. Huxley, throw
upon such problems the light of original
thought; who are Indifferent to any obloquy
that may follow their announcement of their
belief; and who give us ascertained facts in
stead of words that darken knowledge.