ORIGIN OF SPECIES 203 



doctrine of descent in the form of Darwinism rests 

 upon secure bases. However, such is not the case. 



The entire theory of descent has been beset with 

 formidable diflficulties from the first; and these diffi- 

 culties have not been overcome. The chief difficulties 

 in the way of the theory have been (1) paleontological 

 difficulties; (2) the evident fixity of species; and 

 (3) the crudity of the conceptions on which the theory 

 rests. 



1. The paleontological difficulties are (a) the great 

 gaps which exist in the geological record; and (6) the 

 suddenness of the appearance of new and higher 

 life-forms without record of intermediate forms to 

 connect them with the earlier forms. 



The older geologists spoke freely of the extinction 

 of life, and the appearance of new species. As an 

 eminent geologist of today, Charles Schuchert, of 

 Yale, says: "Because of the long-enduring intervals 

 of lost record, the subsequent faunas are not only 

 very different, but appear as if suddenly or at least 

 quickly evolved."^ 



Eduard Suess, famous author of the monumental 

 work, The Face of the Earth (English translation from 

 the German original, 1904-1908), states: "Whole 

 groups, entire animal and vegetable populations, or, 

 if I may so express myself, complete economic unities 



» A Text-Book of Geology, 453. 



