Societal Evolution : A Study of the Evolu- 

 tionary Basis of the Science of Society 



By albert galloway KELLER 



Professor of the Science of Society in Yale University. New York, 1915. 



338 pages, ismo, $/.jo 



The author shows that the evolutionary formula of Darwin, 

 the terms variation, selection, etc., can be carried over to the 

 social field without resting any weight on analogy ; and thus 

 there can be given to these terms, which are now used indis- 

 criminately, in social writings of all kinds, something rather 

 more sharp in the way of connotation. He shows the nature 

 of variation when it is in the social field ; how social selection 

 is related to, and different from, natural selection ; how social 

 transmission (tradition) is performed, and what it does ; and 

 how social institutions exhibit adaptation to environment, 

 natural and artificialized. The main thought of the book lies 

 in the discussion of rational selection, how and how far possible. 

 Adaptation shows that any institution — settled institution — 

 is justifiable in the setting of its time, as an adaptation. 



As one of the foremost sociologists of the day has said, it is 

 " a serious and important work. Professor Keller carries on 

 the interpretation of society begun by the late Professor 

 William G. Sumner, and greatly adds to the value of Sumner's 

 exposition by this rounding out. As scientific work, it is 

 thoroughly good throughout, sober, well-buttressed, and keenly 

 intelligent at every point. Every student of sociology will 

 welcome it, and it is sure to hold an important place for a 

 good while to come. Keller writes a straightforward, strong, 

 and clear style. All in all, the work stands out as greatly 

 superior to the run of sociological writings for four or five 

 years past." 



THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 



Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York 



