
A thoughtful examination of humanity’s origins unfolds in this compact yet richly detailed work, originally conceived as a public lecture. Drawing on chemistry, geology, biology and the latest scientific observations of the late nineteenth century, the author asks what, if anything, demands a special act of creation beyond the natural processes that shape rocks and grains of sand.
The discussion moves from the basic mystery of life itself to the uniquely human capacities for thought, language and moral judgment. By laying out the evidence without overt polemic, the writer invites readers who value both scientific rigor and spiritual contemplation to see how the facts of nature intersect with long‑held religious ideas.
Presented in a clear, concise style, the book speaks to cultured listeners eager to explore truth wherever it may be found, encouraging a balanced view that respects both empirical inquiry and the deeper questions of purpose.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (179K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Stephanie Eason, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net.
Release date
2009-11-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1852–1896
A late-19th-century science writer with a taste for big questions, this author published widely on chemistry, sound, evolution, and everyday scientific problems. His books and articles show a lively effort to make complex ideas readable for general audiences.
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