I.] INTRODUCTORY. 15 



thought on opposite sides, we may expect the development 

 of some tertiwn quid the resultant of forces coming from 

 different quarters, and not coinciding in direction with any 

 one of them. 



As error is almost always partial truth, and so consists 

 in the exaggeration or distortion of one verity by the sup- 

 pression of another which qualifies and modifies the former, 

 we may hope, by the synthesis of the truths contended 

 for by various advocates, to arrive at the one conciliating 

 reality. 



Signs of this conciliation are not wanting : opposite 

 scientific views, opposite philosophical conceptions, and 

 opposite religious beliefs, are rapidly tending, by their vig- 

 orous conflict, to evolve such a systematic and comprehen- 

 sive view of the genesis of species as will completely 

 harmonize with the teachings of science, philosophy, and 

 religion. 



To endeavor to add one stone to this temple of concord, 

 to try and remove a few of the misconceptions and mutual 

 misunderstandings which oppose harmonious action, are the 

 aim and endeavor of the present work. This aim it is hoped 

 to attain, not by shirking difficulties, but analyzing them, 

 and by endeavoring to dig down to the common root which 

 supports and unites diverging stems of truth. 



It cannot but be a gain when the laborers in the three 

 fields above mentioned, namely, science, philosophy, and 

 religion, shall- fully recognize this harmony. Then the 

 energy too often spent in futile controversy, or withheld 

 through prejudice, may be profitably and reciprocally exer- 

 cised for the mutual benefit of all. 



Remarkable is the rapidity with which an interest in 

 the question of specific origination has spread. But a few 

 years ago it scarcely occupied the minds of any but natural- 

 ists. Then the crude theory put forth by Lamarck, and by 

 his English interpreter, the author of the " Vestiges of Ore- 



