14 DARWimAHTA. 



things that are Caesar's — looks to natural agencies for 

 the actual distribution and perpetuation of species, to 

 a supernatural for their origin. 



The theory of Agassiz regards the origin of species 

 and their present general distribution over the world 

 as equally primordial, equally supernatural; that of 

 Darwin, as equally derivative, equally natural. 



The theory of Agassiz, referring as it does the 

 phenomena both of origin and distribution directly to 

 the Divine will — thus removing the latter with the 

 former out of the domain of inductive science (in 

 which efficient cause is not the first, but the last word) 

 — may be said to be theistic to excess. The contrasted 

 theory is not open to this objection. Studying the 

 facts and phenomena in reference to proximate causes, 

 and endeavoring to trace back the series of cause and 

 effect as far as possible, Darwin's aim and processes 

 are strictly scientific, and his endeavor, whether suc- 

 cessful or futile, must be regarded as a legitimate at- 

 tempt to extend the domain of natural or physical 

 science. For, though it well may be that " organic 

 forms have no physical or secondary cause," yet this 

 can be proved only indirectly, by the failure of every 

 attempt to refer the phenomena in question to causal 

 laws. But, however originated, and whatever be 

 thought of Mr. Darwin's arduous undertaking in this 

 respect, it is certain that plants and animals are sub- 

 ject from their birth to physical influences, to which 

 they have to accommodate themselves as they can. 

 How literally they are "born to trouble," and how 

 incessant and severe the struggle for life generally is, 

 the present volume graphically describes. Few will 



