PREFACE. 



IT may seem almost presumptuous on the 

 author's part to attempt to reopen once more 

 the whole question of evolution, especially as 

 in doing so it is necessary to call in question 

 the views of so many very eminent men of 

 science. 



At the same time, any one who calls attention 

 to any neglected facts, or who questions assump- 

 tions too carelessly allowed to pass muster, 

 helps to elucidate the subject of which he treats, 

 and so aids the cause of scientific knowledge, 

 whether the particular views he propounds are 

 right or wrong. Bearing this in mind, and 

 observing, or thinking I observe, that while the 



