the simple biblical doctrine of the creation in its entire literality.1 How far Irenæus adhered to the literal interpretation of the Fall is uncertain; but Tertullian unhesitatingly affirmed its strictly historical character.2 Origen’s notions of creation were also rejected by Athanasius and Augustine; while the figurative interpretation of the Fall fell into disrepute with the allegorical system in general, which gradually came to be denounced as “incerta allegoriæ.”3 Moreover, the doctrine of the