226 LEADING AMERICAN MEN OF SCIENCE 



North America. The conclusions as to a former arctic connection 

 were all the more remarkable since at that time the testimony 

 from the boreal fossil flora was not in. 



/ It was this larger biological interest that compelled Gray to be- 

 come the foremost expounder in this country of Darwin's theory 

 of natural selection. It was at the opening of the Civil War that 

 the notable discussion began, and perhaps it would have attracted 

 even larger public attention than it did if men's thoughts had not 

 been so engrossed by the terrible experiences through which the 

 country was passing. Gray was almost alone at first in meeting 

 the skepticism and opposition aroused by what was soon called 

 Darwinism; and his task was all the more difficult because of the 

 opposition of his very influential colleague Agassiz. What he 

 contended for was not so much belief in the theory of natural selec- 

 tion, for he himself did not accept it in all its fulness, as for an 

 attitude of mind that could recognize its bearings without preju- 

 dice and could see that it was consistent with theistic belief. Hence 

 he was its expounder rather than its defender. He debated with 

 skeptical scientists and unbelieving theologians; and especially 

 with the latter antagonists were his breadth and keenness shown. 

 All of his scattered writings upon this subject were later brought 

 together in a volume bearing the appropriate title Darwiniana. 

 It is an admirable commentary on the theory of natural selection, 

 in which the author now explains it with wonderful lucidity, as a 

 great teacher; now defends it against unjust attack, as a great 

 champion; now pierces the statements of theologians with most 

 brilliant logic, as a great debater; by one means and another 

 routing enemies and winning friends. In the midst of the general 

 storm aroused by the Origin of Species, Darwin himself learned 

 to rely upon the judgment and support of Gray, as shown by their 

 correspondence. In Darwin's letters to Gray will be found the 

 following statements: 



"You never touch the subject without making it clearer;" "I 

 look at it as even more extraordinary that you never say a word 

 or use an epithet which does not fully express my meaning;" 

 "Others who perfectly understand my book, sometimes use ex- 



