THE HISTORY OF ORGANIC EVOLUTION * 
By JoHN M. COULTER 
Boyce Thompson Institute, Yonkers, N. Y. 
The meaning of evolution is probably more misunderstood than 
any doctrine of science. The reason is that it has been discussed very 
freely by those who are not informed, and in this way much misin- 
formation has been propagated. 
The general meaning of organic evolution is that the plant and 
animal kingdoms have developed in a continuous, orderly way, under 
the guidance of natural laws, just as the solar system has evolved 
in obedience to natural laws. 
There are at least three important reasons why evolution should 
be regarded as a necessary part of college training. 
(1) It has revolutionized modern thought. Every subject to-day 
is being attacked on the basis of its evolution. Not only are in- 
organic and organic evolution being considered, but also the evolu- 
tion of language, of literature, of society, of government, of religion. 
In other words, it is a point of view which represents the atmosphere 
of modern investigation in every field. 
(2) It is persistently misunderstood. From the press, the lecture 
platform, and even the pulpit, one frequently hears or reads amaz- 
ing statements in reference to organic evolution. If it were made an 
essential feature of student training, there would be developed a 
propaganda of information instead of misinformation. 
(3) It has revolutionized agriculture. The practical handling of 
plants and animals, in the way of improving old forms and securing 
new ones, was made possible and definite when the Jaws of inheritance 
began to be uncovered through experimental work in evolution. 
PERIODS IN THE HISTORY OF EVOLUTION 
There have been three distinct periods in the history of evolution, 
based upon the method of attack. These. three methods may be 
1 Lecture delivered at a joint meeting of the New York Association of Biology Teachers, 
the Chemistry Teachers Club of New York, the Physics Club of New York, and the Torrey 
Botanical Club, at the Hotel Majestic, New York City, on March 27, 1926, and arranged 
under the direction of the science committee of the Board of Education. Reprinted by 
permission from Science, vol, LUXIII, No. 1637, May 14, 1926. 
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