54: NATURAL SELECTION. 



specialization is a comparative thing. The simplest 

 infusorian*a wonderfully complex thing by the side of 

 primitive life. Compared even with the infinite future 

 of finite mind, man may be a fragment of undifferen- 

 tiated cosmic dust. "The largest son of time that 

 wandered singing through a listening world will be 

 as much forgot as a canoe that crossed the bosom of a 

 lonely lake a thousand years ago." 



Does natural selection, with its associated laws and 

 forces, explain the origin of species ? Open questions. 



Intensification of fishes in tropics ; of men in cities ; 

 of butterflies ; specialization of parts accompanied by 

 proportionate degradation of other parts. 



Obscure Applications of Natural Selection. Equality 

 of numbers of the sexes ; division of labor between 

 sexes. Limitation of size. Length of life. "Touches 

 all things mortal with cold immortal hands." Pain 

 a necessity of sensation, an associate of will ; both 

 outgrowths from motion and locomotion. Mind (as 

 distinguished from reflex nerve action) itself a re- 

 action in organisms " sore bestead by environment." 

 Power to change environment necessitates sensation 

 and will. From these follows pain. Susceptibility of 

 pain greatest in those having the greatest capacity of 

 power. Suffering a " baleful legacy " from specializa- 

 tion ; power to do and power to enjoy. The index to 

 high development. 



"Can it be, O Christ in heaven, 



That the highest suffer most ? 

 That the strongest wander farthest 

 And most helplessly are lost ?" 



Why this must be true. 



