2.4.57.

LONDON:

R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS,

BREAD STREET HILL,

>

ΤΟ

SIR HENRY HOLLAND, BART., M.D.,

F.R.S., D.C.L., ETC. ETC.

MY DEAR SIR HENRY,

IN giving myself the pleasure to dedicate, as I now do, this work to you, it is not my intention to identify you with any views of my own advocated in it.

I simply avail myself of an opportunity of paying a tribute of esteem and regard to my earliest scientific friend-the first to encourage me in pursuing the study of nature.

I remain,

MY DEAR SIR HENRY,

Ever faithfully yours,

7, NORTH BANK, REGENT'S PARK, December 8, 1870.

ST. GEORGE MIVART.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

The problem of the genesis of species stated.-Nature of its probable

solution.-Importance of the question.-Position here defended.-

Statement of the DARWINIAN THEORY-Its applicability to details of

geographical distribution; to rudimentary structures; to homology; to

mimicry, &c.—Consequent utility of the theory-Its wide acceptance.

-Reasons for this other than, and in addition to, its scientific value-

Its simplicity-Its bearing on religious questions.-Odium theologicum

and odium antitheologicum.—The antagonism supposed by many to

exist between it and theology neither necessary nor universal.

Christian authorities in favour of evolution. -Mr. Darwin's "Animals

and Plants under Domestication."-Difficulties of the Darwinian

theory enumerated
Page 1

CHAPTER II.

THE INCOMPETENCY OF "NATURAL SELECTION" TO ACCOUNT FOR

THE INCIPIENT STAGES OF USEFUL STRUCTURES.

Mr. Darwin supposes that Natural Selection acts by slight variations--

These must be useful at once.- -Difficulties as to the giraffe; as to

mimicry; as to the heads of flat-fishes; as to the origin and constancy

of the vertebrate limbs; as to whalebone; as to the young kangaroo ; as

to sea-urchins; as to certain processes of metamorphosis; as to the

mammary gland; as to certain ape characters; as to the rattlesnake

and cobra ; as to the process of formation of the eye and ear; as to

the fully developed condition of the eye and ear; as to the voice; as

to shell-fish; as to orchids; as to ants.-The necessity for the simulta-

neous modification of many individuals.-Summary and conclusion.

Page 26

CHAPTER III.

THE CO-EXISTENCE OF CLOSELY SIMILAR STRUCTURES OF

DIVERSE ORIGIN.

Chances against concordant variations-Examples of discordant ones.—

Concordant variations not unlikely on a non-Darwinian evolutionary

hypothesis. Placental and implacental mammals.—Birds and reptiles.

Independent origins of similar sense organs.-The ear.—The eye.-

Other coincidences.-Causes besides "Natural Selection" produce con-

cordant variations, in certain geographical regions.-Causes besides

"Natural Selection" produce concordant variations, in certain zoological

and botanical groups.-There are homologous parts not genetically

related.—Harmony in respect of the organic and inorganic worlds.-

Summary and conclusion .
Page 71

CHAPTER IV.

MINUTE AND GRADUAL MODIFICATIONS.

There are difficulties as to minute modifications, even if not fortuitous.

Examples of sudden and considerable modifications of different kinds. -

Professor Owen's view.-Mr. Wallace.-Professor Huxley.-Objections

to sudden changes.-Labyrinthodont.—Potto.—Cetacea.—As to origin

of bird's wing.-Tendrils of climbing plants. -Animals once supposed

to be connecting links.-Early specialization of structure.-Macrau-

chenia.- Glyptodon.-Sabre-toothed tiger.-Conclusion Page 109