ASA GRAY. 7fil 



The Origin of Species was out in November, 1859. (rray received an 

 early copy of it from Darwin, and therefore his very valuable review 

 was ready for the American Journal of Science early in 18G0.* . 



With regard to the sufficiency of the argument brought forward in 

 Darwin's work, Gray says that "To account upon these principles for 

 the gradual elimination and segregation of nearly allied forms — such as 

 varieties, sub-species and closely related or representative species, — and 

 also for their geographical association and present range, is comi^ara- 

 tively easy, is apparently within the bonds of possibility, and even of 

 probability." But as to the formation of genera, families, orders, and 

 classes by natural selection, Gray simply states Darwin's arguments on 

 the subject, and some objections on a few weak points, without express- 

 iug further his own views. He concludes with some remarks on the 

 religious bearing of a theory that refers creation to natural law and 

 declares rightly, in accordance with his firm faith to the end, that 

 "Natural law is the human conception of continued and orderly Divine 

 action." 



It is a case of natural selection. But Dr. Gray was more to bota- 

 nists than a friend and leader. He was the "Beloved Gray" — the 

 object of their admiration and devotion on account of his goodness, his 

 high principle, his frank independence, his unfailing cordiality, and the 

 clearness of his intellectual vision, like that of a seer. He stands be- 

 fore the world as a lofty example of the Christian philosopher. 



Dr. Gray was married in 1848 to the daughter of the late eminent 

 lawyer of Boston, Charles G. Loring. His excellent and accomplished 

 wife, who survives him, was in full sympathy with him in all his pur- 

 suits and pleasures, a bright, cheerful and helpful companion, at home 

 and in his travels abroad. 



In a letter to the writer in 188G, Gray says : 



- - - I have had a week in old Oneida, which still looks natural. 

 I am grinding away at the Flora, and shall probably be found so doing 

 when I aui called for. Very well : I have a most comfortable and happy 

 old age. 



Wishing you the same, jours ever, 



A. Gray. 



Noveuiber last, the month after his return from Europe, he put aside 

 his nearly completed revision of the " Vitacea^ or Grape-vines of North 

 America," to write his last words about Darwin in the review of Dar- 

 win's Life and Letters, and to prepare his usual annual Necrology for 

 this Journal. The latter manuscript lay unfinished on his table when, 

 on the 27th of the month, a paralytic stroke put an end to work, with 

 every jjrospect then that his name also would have to be adiled to the 



*It occupies 32 pages in the March namber, vol. xxix, pp. 153 to 184. 



