1 2 MAMMALIAN DESCENT. [Lect. I. 



affected l)y tliis deeper kind of research — it is merely 

 placed on a liiglier platform. 



Looking upon these facts as having an historical 

 meaning, we shall find some light thrown upon many 

 unexplained problems in the structure and development 

 of our own frame. 



If it be a fact that these unused and useless things 

 were once useful, and did their work as part of the 

 machinery of a living and active, but low form, and that 

 in conformity with new conditions this low, larval life 

 became abbreviated, then some light is shed upon these 

 dark problems. Let this once be well settled upon sure 

 foundations, or as a strong nail in the wall of science, 

 and then we shall be able to harmonise our old faith 

 with our new knowledge. 



The study of the lower forms is ever giving us fresh 

 and fresh evidence of the infinite fertility of nature's 

 expedients in adapting living forms to varying condi- 

 tions — to new surroundings. And this is seen more 

 especially with regard to the Family Arrangements of 

 the various types, in the matter oi paternity, maternity, 

 and time. 



The surroundings are often cruel and destructive ; 

 yet nature does not temper tlie weather to the lamb — 

 she clothes the lamb so that it can brave the weather. 



All tlirouo'h nature we see that the most marvellous 

 care is taken so that the Children shall have their 

 chance ; mostly the care is on the maternal side, in 



