Variation and Natural Selection, 121 



process as natural selection is manifestly absurd. Lyell 

 was the necessary precursor of Darwin. Given, then, 

 increase and elimination throughout geological time, 

 natural selection is a logical necessity. No one who 

 adequately grasps the facts can now deny it. It is an 

 unquestionable factor in organic evolution. V/hether it is 

 the sole factor, is quite another matter, and one we will 

 consider in the chapter on *' Organic Evolution.'* 



