CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



The problem of the genesis of species stated. — ISTature of its probable 

 solution. — Importance of the question. — Position here defended. — 

 Statement of the Darwinian Theory — Its applicability to details of 

 geographical distribution ; to rudimentary structures ; to homology ; to 

 mimicry, &e. — Consequent utility of the theory — Its \\:ide acceptance. 

 — Reasons for this other than, and in addition to, its scientific value — 

 Its simplicity — Its bearing on religious questions. — Odium thcologicuvi 

 and odium antithcologicum. — The antagonism supposed by many to 

 exist between it and theology neither necessary nor universal. — 

 Christian authorities in favour of evolution.— Mr, Darwin's "Animals 

 and Plants under Domestication." — Difficulties of the Darwinian 

 theorv enumerated Page 1 



CHAPTER II. 



THE INCOMPETENCY OF "NATURAL SELECTION" TO ACCOUNT FOR 

 THE INCIPIENT STAGES OF USEFUL STRUCTURES. 



^Ir. Darwin supposes that Natural Selection acts by slight variations — 

 These must be useful at once. — Difficulties as to the giraffe ; as to 

 mimicry ; a« to the heads of Hat-fishes ; as to the origin and constancy 

 of the vertebrate limbs ; as to whalebone ; as to the young kangaroo ; as 



