i.] DARWINISM VERIFIED. n 



general harmony with the processes of organic 

 nature. 



If we consider the Danvinian theory as a whole, it 

 must be admitted that such cumulative evidence has 

 already been brought forward in sufficient quantity 

 to amount to a satisfactory demonstration. The con- 

 vergence of proofs is too persistent and unmistakable 

 to allow of any alternative hypothesis being put in 

 the field. But in exhibiting this, it is desirable that 

 there should be no confusion of thought as to the 

 full import of the Danvinian theory. Mr. Mivart's 

 way of describing that theory as an attempt to ac- 

 count for the origin of all the various forms of life 

 through the operation of natural selection alone, is 

 a gross misrepresentation. Mr. Darwin has never 

 urged his hypothesis in this limited shape. The 

 essential theorems of Darwinism are,jirst, that forms 

 of life now widely unlike have been produced from 

 a common original through the accumulated in- 

 heritance of minute individual modifications ; and, 

 secondly, that such modifications have been accumu- 

 lated mainly, or in great part, through the selection 

 of individuals best fitted to survive and transmit 

 their peculiarities to their offspring. But that this 

 survival of the fittest individuals has been the sole 

 agency concerned in bringing about the present 



