5O JOHN WESLEY POWELL. 



thropic evolution as radically distinct. He gives special attention 

 to the distinction between biotic and anthropic evolution, because 

 he regards the prevalent theory that they are identical as one of the 

 most insidious impediments to anthropologic progress. The fol- 

 lowing extract from the concluding portion of the address includes 

 some of the fundamental elements of his philosophy : 



"It has thus been shown that there are three stages in the 

 combination of matter and motion, and that each stage is charac- 

 terised by a clearly distinct method of evolution. These may be 

 denned as follows : 



"First, physical evolution is the result of direct adaptation to 

 environment, under the law that motion is in the direction of least 

 resistance. 



"Second, biotic evolution is the result of indirect adaptation 

 to the environment by the survival of the fittest in the struggle for 

 existence. 



"Third, anthropic evolution is the result of the exercise of 

 human faculties in activities designed to increase happiness, and 

 through which the environment is adapted to man. 



"These may be briefly denominated : evolution by adaptation, 

 evolution by survival of the fittest, and evolution by endeavor. 



"Civilised men have always recognised to some extent the laws 

 of human evolution, that activities are teleologically developed, 

 and that happiness is increased thereby. In the early history of 

 mankind the nature of teleologic endeavor was so strongly im- 

 pressed upon the mind that the theory was carried far beyond the 

 truth, so that all biotic function and physical motion were inter- 

 preted as teleologic activity. When this error was discovered, and 

 the laws of physical and biotic evolution established, vast realms 

 of phenomena were found to have been entirely misunderstood and 

 falsely explained, and teleologic postulates have finally fallen into 

 disrepute. Men say there is progress in the universe by reason of 

 the very laws of nature, and we must let them alone. Thus, reac- 

 tion from the ancient false philosophy of teleology has carried men 

 beyond the truth, until they have lost faith in all human endeavor; 

 and they teach the doctrine that man can do nothing for himself, 

 that he owes what he is to physical and biotic agencies, and that 

 his interests are committed to powers over which he has no con- 

 trol. 



"Such a philosophy is gradually gaining ground among think- 

 ers and writers, and should it prevail to such an extent as to con- 

 trol the actions of mankind, modern civilisation would lapse into a 



