Punch,  61 (1871), 62–63.

The Truth after Thomson (As Versed by a Modern Athenian)

Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Reportage

Subjects:

Cosmology, Heat, Railways, Accidents, Spontaneous Generation, Controversy, Extra-Terrestrial Life, Providence, Religion, Palaeontology, Hypothesis, Evolution, Darwinism

People mentioned:

Charles R Darwin , George D Campbell (8th Duke of Argyll)


    Response to William Thomson's presidential address to the British Association for the Advancement of Science, a version of which was published as Thomson 1872. The subtitle alludes to Edinburgh, which was the venue for the association's meeting. The author likens the sun, a 'slowly-cooling liquid mass', to the warm contents of a 'toddy-glass', but points out that the earth will continue to take 'draughts' from the sun for 'millions of years', 'unlike [the] thirsty Scot' with his toddy. Describes the nature and trajectories of comets and notes that just as terrestrial railways are frequently strewn with wrecks, so 'smashes' on the 'meteoric railway lines' of 'heavenly space' are 'not unknown'. Insists that 'Life can only give life' and that this 'truth' should be stamped 'above schools and their strife'. Enquires into the origin of life on earth and explains Thomson's theory that 'earth's primal germs'—which 'might have borne the sperms / Of other skies'—come from the remains of meteors hurled at the lifeless planet. Notes that science denies that this seemingly 'far-fetched' hypothesis is a dream, and notes Thomson's opposition to accounts of the earth that leave out 'Genesis and Moses'. Asks where the life on comets originated and insists that 'we have but thrust the myst'ry one stage back'. (62) Warns that despite palaeontological discoveries and 'creeds and fancies' regarding the origin of life, there 'Looms, fixed and awful, A Creative Power'. Considers it unwise for science to traverse and try to 'own' 'God's mysterious rule'. (63)



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