430 FERTILISATION OF FLOWERS. [1862. 



"When many parts of structure, as in the woodpecker, 

 show distinct adaptation to external bodies, it is preposterous 

 to attribute them to the effects of climate, &c., but when a 

 single point alone, as a hooked seed, it is conceivable it may 

 thus have arisen. I have found the study of Orchids emi- 

 nently useful in showing me how nearly all parts of the flower 

 are co-adapted for fertilization by insects, and therefore the 

 results of natural selection — even the most trifling details of 

 structure." 



One of the greatest services rendered by my father to the 

 study of Natural History is the revival of Teleology. The 

 evolutionist studies the purpose or meaning of organs with 

 the zeal of the older Teleology, but with far wider and more 

 coherent purpose. He has the invigorating knowledge that 

 he is gaining not isolated conceptions of the economy of the 

 present, but a coherent view of both past and present. And 

 even where he fails to discover the use of any part, he may, 

 by a knowledge of its structure, unravel the history of the 

 past vicissitudes in the life of the species. In this way a 

 vigour and unity is given to the study of the forms of organised 

 beings, which before it lacked. This point has already been 

 discussed in Mr. Huxley's chapter on the ' Reception of the 

 Origin of Species^' and need not be here considered. It does, 

 however, concern us to recognize that this " great service 

 to natural science," as Dr. Gray describes it, was effected 

 almost as much by his special botanical work as by the * Ori- 

 gin of Species.' 



For a statement of the scope and influence of my father's 

 botanical work, I may refer to Mr. Thiselton Dyer's article 

 in 'Charles Darwin,' one of the Natwe Series. Mr. Dyer's 

 wide knowledge, his friendship with my father, and especially 

 his power of sympathising with the w^ork of others, combine 

 to give this essay a permanent value. The following passage 

 (p. 43) gives a true picture : — 



" Notwithstanding the extent and variety of his botanical 

 work, Mr. Darwin always disclaimed any right to be regarded 

 as a professed botanist. He turned his attention to plants, 



