[page 708]

"In his most recent work 'On the Origin of Species,' although opinions may be divided or undecided with respect to its merits in some respects, all will allow that it contains a mass of observations bearing upon the habits, structure, affinities, and distribution of animals, perhaps unrivalled for interest, minuteness, and patience of observation. Some amongst us may perhaps incline to accept the theory indicated by the title of this work, while others may perhaps incline to refuse, or at least to remit it to a future time, when increase knowledge shall afford stronger grounds for its ultimate acceptance or rejection. Speaking generally and collectively, we have expressly omitted it from the grounds of our award. This on the one hand; on the other hand, I believe that, both collectively and individually, we agree in regarding every real bonâ fide inquiry into the truths of nature as in itself essentially legitimate; and we also know that, in the history of science, it has happened more than once that hypothesis or theories which have afterwards been found true or untrue, being entertained by men of powerful minds, have stimulated them to explore new paths of research, from which, to whatever issue they may ultimately have conducted, the explorer has meanwhile brought back rich and fresh spoils of knowledge.