II. 



EVOLUTION: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT. 



THIS is the age of evolution. The word is used by 



many men in many senses, and still oftener perhaps in 



no sense at all. By some it is spoken 



at . with a haunting dread, as though it 



evolution is. 



were another name for the downfall of 



religion and of social stability. Still others speak it 

 glibly and joyously, as though progress and freedom 

 were secured by the mere use of the name. " The word 

 evolution (Entwickelung)" says a German writer, "fills 

 the vocal cords more perfectly than any other word." 

 It explains everything and " puts the key to the universe 

 into one's vest pocket." 



So various has been the use of the word, so rarely is 

 this use associated with any definite idea, that one hesi- 

 tates to call himself an evolutionist. " Evolution " and 

 " evolutionist " are almost ready to be cast into that 

 " limbo of spoiled phraseology " which Matthew Arnold 

 has found necessary for so many words in which other 

 generations delighted and which they soiled or spoiled 

 by careless usage. 



But as the word evolution is not yet put away, as it 

 is the bugbear of many good people and the " religion " 

 of as many more equally good, it may be worth while to 

 consider what it still means and what it does not mean, 

 for if we that use the word can agree on a definition 

 half our quarrel is over. 

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