38 ILLINOIS STATE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 



5. Evidence from physiology. 



6. Evidence from direct experimental studies of evo- 

 lution. 



In conclusion, a few words may be said concerning 

 man's relation to the rest of the universe. Scientific 

 investigations have demonstrated that the universe is 

 not a fixed, rigid system but a changing one. The earth 

 is a part of this changing universe and as such has gone 

 through a series of orderly processes, finally reaching a 

 stage in which life became possible. When living things 

 came they in turn did not remain unchanged. They 

 progressed from one condition to another until man him- 

 self appeared. 



There is grandeur in this view of man as an integral 

 part of the universe. He fits into a large scheme of 

 things, not as a disturbing element but as a fulfillment 

 of the plan. The fertility of this dynamic conception has 

 been demonstrated in all fields of human thought and 

 action. The knowledge of a long course of past improve- 

 ment leads to a belief in the probability of further ad- 

 vance. It is highly improbable that man is at the apex 

 of a long series of upward change. Instead, there is 

 every reason why we should prepare for boundless fur- 

 ther advance. If we will but accept the obvious facts 

 and apply their lessons to human improvement, we can 

 accelerate the onward progress not only to a goal fixed 

 by present aspirations but past it to conditions beyond 

 our dreams. 



