216 FROM THE GREEKS TO DARWIN 



of new combinations of matter, previously existing; 

 and it is also in direct opposition to the opinions, 

 which Dr. Darwin has himself advanced. . . . 



Dr. Darwin seems to consider the animals of 

 former times, as possessing powers, much superior to 

 those of their posterity. They reasoned on their 

 wants : they wished : and it was done. The boar, which 

 originally differed little from the other beasts of the 

 forest, first obtained tusks, because he conceived 

 them to be useful weapons, and then, by another 

 process of reasoning, a thick shield-like shoulder, to 

 defend himself from the tusks of his fellows. The 

 stag, in like manner, formed to himself horns, at 

 once sharp, and branched, for the different purposes 

 of offence, and defence. Some animals obtained wings, 

 others fins, and others swiftness of foot; while the 

 vegetables exerted themselves, in inventing various 

 modes of concealing, and defending their feeds, and 

 honey. These are a few of many instances, adduced 

 by Dr. Darwin, which are all objectionable, on his 

 own principles ; as they require us to believe the va- 

 rious propensities, to have been the cause, rather 

 than the effect, of the difference of configuration. . . . 



If we admit the supposed capacity of producing 

 organs, by the mere feeling of a want, man must 

 have been greatly degenerated, or been originally in- 

 ferior, in power. He may \Nash for wings, as the other 

 bipeds are supposed to have done with success ; but a 

 century of wishes will not render him abler to take 

 flight. It is not, however, to man that the observa- 

 tion must be confined. No improvements of form have 

 been observed, in the other animals, since the first 

 dawnings of zoology ; and we must, therefore, believe 



