of the Evolution Philosophij. 23 



repair in organic structures. There is such au intimate 

 relationship between biological and social studies, that some 

 knowledge of the laws governing biological growth is neces- 

 sary to tit one for forming correct judgments on socio- 

 logical problems. Biology and sociology both treat of the 

 phenomena of life — both involve psychological as well as 

 merely physical conditions — the one leading up to the 

 other by an entirely orderly and natural process of devel- 

 opment. Evolution shows that the phenomenal universe 

 is "all of one piece," — and in its unity of method sym- 

 bolizes an essential unity of Being, which, if we may not 

 directly affirm it as a demonstrated fact, at least constitutes 

 tlie most satisfactory and rational theory of the nature of 

 things. 



In this higher field of sociological study, how many and 

 varied are the problems that are presented for our investi-, 

 gation — the profoundest, most deeply interesting of any 

 which the human mind can attempt to solve ; for they, are 

 problems w'hicli concern the origin, the essential character, 

 the temporal and final destiny of man as an individual, and 

 of Man as a race. Without attempting to forestall the 

 solution of any of these problems, I may, in conclusion, 

 state negatively the attitude of the evolution philosophy 

 toward sociological studies. 



I. Evolutionists have no special schemes for social 

 reform to urge i;pon society. They regard all earnest 

 efforts for the amelioration of existing social evils and 

 inequalities, with sympathy and appreciation, but insist 

 that the various " rapid transit " })lans for achieving these 

 much desired ends shall be rigidly examined in the light of 

 social science, and not be too hastily accepted for all that 

 their originators claim them to be. Evolutionists realize 

 that " Kature does not advance by leaps," and they would 

 carefully note the trend of past events, and study the 

 nature of individual man in history and in connection with 

 his present institutional environment, before \irging liim to 

 a definite, forward step, in a direction contrary to that 

 which he has been pursuing. To the Evolutionist, the 

 a j/n'orl scheme of the social reformer bears a certain resem- 

 blance to the philosophical system of the metaphysician, 

 and, like the latter, he thinks the former sliould be sub- 

 mitted to the test of the experiential method. 



