Abstract
The preparation of a presidential address is always attended by difficulties, inherent in such addresses or imposed on them by time-honored custom. The work with which we are most familiar and on which we are most competent to write is usually so limited in scope that it is ill adapted to the present object. On the other hand, those broad presentations that custom has approved for presidential addresses rest on a general knowledge of all phases of the subject or on an intimate acquaintance with some particular law or theory.
Realizing my inability to treat adequately any of the broad aspects of our science, I venture to present certain reflections on the relationships and philosophical aspects of paleontology, and I beg that these reflections will not be regarded as mature convictions, but rather as suggestions that may possiby serve as subjects for discussion.
It has been my good fortune . . .
