ΤΟ SIR JOHN LUBBOCK, BART. M.P. LL.D. F.R.S. &c. VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, PRESIDENT OF THE LINNÆAN SOCIETY, ETC. IN ADMIRATION OF HIS WORK AND LABOURS IN THE CAUSE OF SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. PREFACE. As the objects intended to be subserved by this work are explained in the introductory chapter, there is little need for a formal preface. It may, however, be well to state that the chief aim of the work is to present, in a popular and readily understood form, the chief evidences of the evolution of living beings. In this view, whilst I have been content to assume the reality of that process, I have also endeavoured to marshal the more prominent facts of zoology and botany, which serve to prove that evolution, broadly considered, is not merely a name for an unknown tendency in nature, but is an actual factor in the work of moulding the life with which the universe teems. A considerable experience as a biological teacher has long since convinced me that the hesitancy with which evolution is accepted, and the doubt with which even cultured persons are occasionally apt to view this conception of nature, arise chiefly from lack of knowledge concerning the overwhelming evidences of its existence which natural history presents. Doubtless a training in botany and zoology is required before the case for evolution can be fully mastered, but there need be no difficulty in the way of any intelligent person forming a just estimate of evolution upon even an elementary acquaintance with the facts of biology. I have accordingly sought to bring such facts prominently before the notice of my readers, and I would fain hope that even the complex topic of "development," itself a strong pillar of the theory of evolution, is susceptible of easy appreciation when the facts and inferences to be drawn therefrom are plainly stated. It would be invidious to mention any special sources to which I have been indebted for aid in the production of the present work: the field is so vast, that one must needs gather details from the stores of many workers: but I cannot refrain from expressing my indebtedness to the works of the late distinguished author of the theory of "Natural Selection," and to those of Professor Huxley and of Sir John Lubbock. My best thanks are due to the latter for his kind permission to use several illustrations from his interesting work on the relations between insects and flower-fertilisation. The illustrations as a whole will, I trust, be found to materially assist the comprehension of the most important points discussed in the various chapters. EDINBURGH: October 1882. A. W. CONTENTS. PAGE VI. THE EVIDENCE FROM THE TAILS, LIMBS, AND LUNGS OF ANIMALS 97 VII. THE EVIDENCE FURNISHED BY THE SCIENCE OF LIKENESSES. 121 IX. THE EVIDENCE FROM Development.-I. THE EARLIER STAGES IN THE LIFE-HISTORY OF ANIMALS X. THE EVIDENCE FROM DEVELOPMENT.-2. THE LIFE-HISTORIES OF STAR-FISHES AND CRUSTACEANS |