6 EVOLUTION AND ETHICS i 



The word '' evolution," now generally applied to 

 the cosmic process, has had a singular histor} , and 

 is used in various senses.^ Taken in its popular 

 signification it means progressive development, 

 that is, gradual change from a condition of 

 relative uniformity to one of relative complexity ; 

 but its connotation has been widened to include 

 the phenomena of retrogressive metamorphosis, 

 that is, of progress from a condition of relative 

 complexity to one of relative uniformity. 



As a natural process, of the same character as 

 the development of a tree from its seed, or of a 

 fowl from its egg, evolution excludes creation and 

 all other kinds of supernatural intervention. As 

 the expression of a fixed order, every stage of 

 which is the effect of causes ojDerating according 

 to definite rules, the conception of evolution no 

 less excludes that of chance. It is very desirable 

 to remember that evolution is not an explanation 

 of the cosmic process, but merely a generalized 

 statement of the method and results of that pro- 

 cess. And, further, that, if there is proof that 

 the cosmic process was set going by any agent, 

 then that agent will be the creator of it and of all 

 its products, although supernatural intervention 

 may remain strictly excluded from its further 

 course. 



So far as that limited revelation of the nature of 

 things, which we call scientific knowledge, has 

 ^ See "Evolution in Biology," Essays, vol. ii. p. 187. 



