I. THE EVOLUTION HYPOTHESIS AND THE ORIGIN OF LIFE.
(From the Contemp›rary Review of March, 1874, with slight
Alterations and Additions.)
Evolution - Its Scope and Meaning—Uniformity of Nature—
Modifications of Doctrine often Incomplete at First-The
Nebular Hypothesis-Original Advent of Living Things
on the Earth-Views of Eminent Evolutionists-Mr.
Darwin-Mr. Herbert Spencer-Mr. G. H. Lewes-
Professor Huxley-Apparent Inconsistencies - Origination
and Growth Compared-These Processes in Crystalline
and in Living Matter respectively -No Reason why Origi-
nation of Living Matter should have Ceased-Professor
Clarke Maxwell on the Persistence of Molecular Properties
-Mr. Spencer's Assumption-Professor Huxley's Views
-Their Inconsistencies-Sir Wm. Thomson's Hypothesis
-Misconceptions concerning Spontaneous Generation—
These not to be Entertained by Evolutionists-Professor
Huxley's Suppositions concerning the Past-Their Unten-
ability when Judged by his own line of Criticism-Condi-
tions Favouring Growth mostly Favour Origination--
Present Continuance of Archebiosis-Shown by Existence
of the Lowest Organisms-Mr. Spencer's Mode of dealing
with this Question-His Views on this subject not Recon-
cilable with his Principles of Evolution-Has the Amoeba
a Longer Line of Ancestry than Man? Yes, unless the
Continuance of Archebiosis or Heterogenesis be Conceded.