Considered as a mere question of physics, (and keeping all moral considerations entirely out of sight,) the appearance of man is a geological phenomenon of vast importance
ADAM SEDGWICKBut just as we begin to enter on the history of physical changes going on before our eyes, and in which we ourselves bear a part,
More Adam Sedgwick Quotes
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The powers of nature are never in repose; her work never stands still.
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Our labours for the black people of Africa were works of madmen; and man and woman are only better beasts!
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and so judge of the part played by each of them during those old convulsive movements whereby her limbs were contorted and drawn up into their present posture.
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The utmost movements that he allows are a slight quivering of her muscular integuments.
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we must suppose all the covering of moss and heath and wood to be torn away from the sides of the mountains, and the green mantle that lies near their feet to be lifted up;
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If the [Vestiges] be true, the labours of sober induction are in vain; religion is a lie; human law is a mass of folly, and a base injustice; morality is moonshine
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The world is not as it was when it came from its Maker’s hands.
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Or holds them of no account in the estimate of his origin and place in the created world.
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And their many causes still acting on the surface of our globe with undiminished power, which are changing, and will continue to change it, as long as it shall last.
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we may then see the muscular integuments, and sinews, and bones of our mother Earth,
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And why is this done? For no other reason, I am sure, except to make us independent of a Creator.
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But just as we begin to enter on the history of physical changes going on before our eyes, and in which we ourselves bear a part,
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As a system of philosophy it is not like the Tower of Babel, so daring its high aim as to seek a shelter against God’s anger; but it is like a pyramid poised on its apex.
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The sober facts of geology shuffled, so as to play a rogue’s game; phrenology (that sinkhole of human folly and prating coxcombry); spontaneous generation; transmutation of species; and I know not what; all to be swallowed, without tasting and trying
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It has been modified by many great revolutions, brought about by an inner mechanism of which we very imperfectly comprehend the movements; but of which we gain a glimpse by studying their effects:
ADAM SEDGWICK