Perhaps nothing is more characteristic of the present age than the advances made from all quarters in the cause of truth. Dogma, as well as theory, is subjected to the investigations of the thoughtful; and nothing is allowed to pass as true without bearing its full complement of laudation and abuse. Facts often make their appearance with un-winning surroundings, and it is not until they have stood their proper time under examination that they are admitted to the confidence of the knowing; they are then often fondled, and make slaves of their admirers for the secrets extracted from them. So it is that, within the memory of men, new sciences are forming, and are accepted, from what were considered