/(' PROCKEDTNOS OF THE 



variation, as originally propounded in these rooms independently 

 and simultaneously by Darwin and byAVallace. This theory has 

 been subjected to keen criticism, and difliculties have undoubtedly 

 been sliowu in accepting it as a complete explanation of many of 

 the phenomena of evolution. That other factors have been at 

 work besides natural selection in bringing about the present con- 

 dition of the organic world, [)ro])ahly every one now admits, as, I 

 need not say, Darwin did liiinsclf. There is, however, not now 

 tbe time, nor is this the occasion to enter into a critical exami- 

 nation of this large and complex subject. Indeed, the time 

 seems scarcely yet come wlu-n we can do so with the necessary 

 cahnness and impartiality. Prejudices on tlie one hand and on 

 the other, and the cloud of side-issues which were aroused Avhen 

 the theory was first promulgated, and wliich prevented many 

 from understanding what was really implied by it, still hover 

 around, and many of us deem it best to rest with suspended 

 judgment not oidy upon this, but upon tbe various other hypo- 

 tlieses put forward to account for the origin of species, and to 

 turn again with increased interest and zeal to investigate the 

 facts upon which these hypotheses are based. No one can deny 

 that, whatever opinion may ultimately pre\ail regarding Darwin 

 and his works, the controversies that have gathered round them 

 liave proved a marvellous stimulus to research, and have given 

 new life to investigations into a great variety of subjects, — sub- 

 jects so diverse as paljeontology, morj^hology, embryology, the 

 geogi-aplucal distribution, tlie habits, and the life-history of all 

 living things, — into every branch, in fact, of biological science. 



They have made us also realize in fuller measure than ever 

 before the depth of the still unfathomed mysteries that con- 

 front us everywhere. The endeavour to 2)cuetrate these mys- 

 teries, to solve some of these problems wliich lie everywliere in 

 our path in wandering through the field of nature, is surely a 

 most legitimate employment for the faculties of man ; and he wlio 

 has devoted to this endeavour a life of patient, eager, and, above 

 all, lione.vt toil, undaunted by constant physical weakness and 

 sufi'ering, and lias steadily persevered lo the end in his one great 

 aim, alike through evil report and good i'e|)ort, deserves our 

 gratitude and our reverence. 



Though Darwin did not tear down the curtain which obscures 

 our gaze into the past and lay bare to our vision the birth of life, 

 and all iis various manifestations upon earth, as has been too 

 rashly said by some of his enthusiastic disciples, he lifted the 

 veil here and there, and gave us glimpses which will light the 

 path of those who follow in his steps, and, even more than this, 

 he showed by his life and by his work, beyond any one of the age 

 in which we live, the true methods by which alone the secrets of 

 nature may be won. 



