INTRODUCTION 9 
always clearly distinguish in their minds between Evolution 
and the means by which evolutionary changes have been brought 
about. Darwin tried to prove that the great agency (so long 
sought for in vain) was Natural Selection. Hence some people 
mean Natural Selection when they speak of Darwinism. Since 
Darwin’s death in the year 1882 a great many naturalists and 
others have pondered deeply on this great subject; new facts 
and new conceptions have arisen on the question of the Origin 
of Species. Some of our readers may perhaps think that 
Darwin settled the question once for all. But that is not so. 
True, there is a powerful school of naturalists (Neo-Darwinians) 
who never weary of telling us that Natural Selection is the 
great and principal cause, or agency, whereby new species arose. 
On the other hand, there are many living naturalists of renown 
who are unwilliig to accept Darwin’s explanation. Moreover, 
to some minds such an explanation is far too mechanical, in- 
volving a narrow view of the beauties and wonders of Creation, 
as if Utility were the principal thing. Again, it is possible 
that the struggle between individuals of the same or near 
species is not so great as the Darwinian conception demanded. 
Darwin’s argument was largely based on the analogy of the sort 
of selection used by breeders of plants and domestic animals. 
It now appears that this analogy is not quite safe. Some 
naturalists believe that the great progress Man has made in 
breeding pigeons, cattle, horses, dogs, and flowers may all be 
based on definite and sudden changes, now known as “ Muta- 
tions” (sports). Mendel’s Law was unknown to Darwin, and 
the striking suggestions of De Vries had not appeared in his 
day. In conclusion, it only remains to say (for our space is 
limited) that at present the great problem is unsolved. Perhaps 
the time is hardly ripe. 
