CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

 INTRODUCTORY. 



The problem of the genesis of species stated. Nature of its probable 

 solution. Importance of the question. Position here defended. 

 Statement of the DARWINIAN THEOKY Its applicability to details of 

 geographical distribution ; to rudimentary structures ; to homology ; to 

 mimicry, &c. Consequent utility of the theory Its wide acceptance. 

 Reasons for this other than, and in addition to, its scientific value 

 Its simplicity Its bearing on religious questions. Odium theologicum 

 and odium antitheologicum. The antagonism supposed by many to 

 exist between it and theology neither necessary nor universal. 

 Christian authorities in favour of evolution. Mr. Darwin's "Animals 

 and Plants under Domestication." Difficulties of the Darwinian 

 theory enumerated Page 1 



CHAPTER II. 



THE 1NCOMPETENCY OF "NATURAL SELECTION" TO ACCOUNT FOR 

 THE INCIPIENT STAGES OF USEFUL STRUCTURES. 



Mr. Darwin supposes that Natural Selection acts by slight variations 

 These must be useful at once. Difficulties as to the giraffe ; as to 

 mimicry ; as to the heads of flat-fishes ; as to the origin and constancy 

 of the vertebrate limbs ; as to whalebone ; as to the young kangaroo ; as 



