Evolution in General 



During the past three generations, Evolution has been 

 subjected to the most searching and bitter criticism, both 

 honest and biased, of any subject of world-wide Interest that 

 has claimed the attention of thinking people. It has with- 

 stood the test of all these criticisms and after each new 

 attack. It has emerged with more Impregnable armour than 

 before. It Invites honest and Intelligent criticism. There 

 is nothing to be gained In Its defense except that reward that 

 is gained in the defense of Truth. 



Evolution may be properly divided into two general 

 heads, viz., i. Organic Evolution, and 2. Cultural Evolu- 

 tion. Organic Evolution treats of growth and changes of 

 all forms of life in both the plant and animal kingdoms 

 from the life that stirred In the first protoplasmic cell mil- 

 lions of years ago down to the present time. It is the Indeli- 

 ble record of the physical changes and methods employed 

 by Nature in bringing about the present stage of perfection 

 in all forms of life. Cultural Evolution treats of the 

 changes that have been wrought through and by the men- 

 tal processes of man's brain. It Is a record of man's adap- 

 tation and use of the material things about him as aids In his 

 struggle for existence. It is a record of his achievements in 

 harnessing the forces of Nature and making them obedient 

 to his will. 



All the knowledge which we have comes to us through 

 our special senses and deductions and also from the per- 

 sonal experience of human beings that they have in some 

 manner imparted to us. A vast multitude of earnest work- 

 ers have devoted their lives to a careful and methodical 

 study of the laws of Nature In an effort to solve Her mys- 



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