PREFACE. 



' OUR present advanced knowledge in Natural 

 Science has not rendered the idea of Evolution a 

 bit more probable than it was in former times. And 

 it must be firmly denied that the conceit of " Natural 

 Selection by Survival of the Fittest " has, in any 

 degree, imparted to the theory more substantial body 

 than it had before, or raised it to the Scientific posi- 

 tion which Darwin and his followers claim for it.' 

 Such are the words with which I conclude my second 

 lecture. 



There are various processes in Nature to which 

 the idea of 'Natural Selection 'is logically enough 

 applicable, but it is amusing to observe how instances 

 of the kind have been illogically twisted, and adduced 

 as tests in proof of the soundness of the idea as 

 applicable to the Doctrine of Evolution, and even in 

 proof of the doctrine itself. Natural Selection, in the 

 sense in which it is applied to Evolution by Mr. 

 Darwin, let it be repeated, is a mere conceit. When, 



