CHAP. III - APPLICATION OF THE ARGUMENT

Summary

This is atheifm: for every indication of contrivance, every manifeftation of defign, which exifted in the watch, exifts in the works of nature; with the difference, on the fide of nature, of being greater and more, and that in a degree which exceeds all computation. I mean that the contrivances of nature furpafs the contrivances of art, in the complexity, fubtlety, and curiofity of the mechanifm; and ftill more, if poffible, do they go beyond them in number and variety: yet, in a multitude of cafes, are not lefs evidently mechanical, not lefs evidently contrivances, not lefs evidently accommodated to their end, or fuited to their office, than are the moft perfect productions of human ingenuity.

I know no better method of introducing fo large a fubject, than that of comparing a fingle thing with a fingle thing; an eye, for example, with a telefcope. As far as the examination of the inftrument goes, there is precifely the fame proof that the eye was made for vifion, as there is that the telefcope was made for affifting it. They are made upon the fame principles; both being adjufted to the laws by which the tranfmiffion and refraction of rays of light are regulated. I fpeak not of the origin of the laws themfelves; but fuch laws being fixed, the conftruction, in both cafes, is adapted to them.