THE DESCENT OF MAN. 



The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. By Charles Darwin, 

 M.A., F.R.S., &c. 2 vols. London, 1871. 



IN Mr. Darwin's last work we possess at length a complete 

 and thorougli exposition of his matured views. He gives 

 us the results of the patient labour of many years' unre- 

 mitting investigation and of the application of a powerful 

 and acute intellect, combined with an extraordinary active 

 imagination, to an unequalled collection of most varied, 

 interesting, and important biological data. In his earlier 

 writings a certain reticence veiled, though it did not hide, 

 his ultimate conclusions as to the origin of our own species ; 

 but now all possibility of misunderstanding or of a repetition 

 of former disclaimers on the part of any disciple is at an end, 

 and the entire and naked truth as to the logical consequences 

 of Darwinism is displayed Avith a frankness which we had a 

 right to expect from the distinguished author. What was 

 but obscurely hinted in the Origin of Species is here fully 

 and fairly stated in all its bearings and without disguise. 

 Mr. Darwin has, in fact, ' crowned the edifice,' and the long 

 looked for and anxiously awaited detailed statement of his 

 views as to the human race is now unreservedly put before 

 us. 



We rise from the careful perusal of this book with 

 mingled feelings of admiration and disappointment. The 

 author's style is clear and attractive — clearer than in his 

 earlier works — and his desire to avoid every kind of con- 

 scious misrepresentation is as conspicuous as ever. The 



VOL. II, A 



