Abstract
MR. LEIFCHILD is already known as a careful writer on matters connected with economic geology; he now appears before the public in the avowed character of ambassador between the opposing forces of Theology and Science. This bulky volume of upwards of 500 pages appears to be a kind of commonplace-book of thoughts which have occurred to him in solitary wanderings; the title means to express that the author concerns himself with subjects higher than those which “subserve our present individual and collective interests.” We must acknowledge that works of this kind, endeavouring to reconcile in detail the conflicting theories of theologians and men of science, are little to our taste; we suppose, however, they have their public; and in the case of the volume before us, the large type, wide margins, and handsome binding, are all in its favour. With this preliminary objection, that portion of Mr. Leifchild's work which comes within our scope—for the greater part does not—seems treated with considerable care and knowledge, and with a higher degree of impartiality than is usually to be met with in such works. The Darwinian doctrines of evolution and natural selection of course come in for some severe criticism; we are surprised that Mr. Leifchild should reiterate the superficial and often refuted objection that geology has not yet revealed a single fossil in transitu from one species to another, as if it were possible that geology should reveal anything but the successive connecting and connected links, which it has done, and is doing every day. Those who delight in speculations on the border-land between the natural and the supernatural will find much to interest them in the volume, and to such we commend it.
The Higher Ministry of Nature: viewed in the Light of Modern Science, and as an Aid to Advanced Christian Philosophy.
By John R. Leifchild. (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1872.)
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The Higher Ministry of Nature: viewed in the Light of Modern Science, and as an Aid to Advanced Christian Philosophy . Nature 5, 499 (1872). https://doi.org/10.1038/005499a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/005499a0