Descent of Man 315 



binations, shows that even in the manner of dividing and 

 allying the smallest groupings, there arise differences which 

 limit the destinies of all generations. It may well be that 

 when first a creature achieves the triumph of grouping eight 

 or more descendant cells about itself in somatic subjection; 

 it is decided forever whether its descendants can have a 

 vertebrate or a spineless structure; or some other evolution 

 in a simple stage may similarly necessitate a four-limbed 

 form or a many limbed, and later again some development 

 of nerve ganglion may determine forever a capacity for 

 intellect. But such problems in evolution are the subject of 

 its special research. We seek now to recognize the exis- 

 tence and general nature of this great process, rather than 

 its details. 



Two things may now be formulated together as of vital 

 effect. The first is that all growths, changes and develop- 

 ments from a primal life germ to the most complex could 

 be accomplished by changes of evolution such as are now 

 prevailing, if only sufficient time is allowed. And the 

 second concession is that time measures are of absolutely 

 no consequence in the creation scheme. Time was, and is, 

 available in all the most amazing duration, so that it becomes 

 not only possible to imagine creation arising in that manner, 

 but it appears incontestably certain that it did so arise, and 

 that it now continues. We may thus realize that the high 

 endowment of man does not overpass the possibilities of this 

 process, but more than that we may believe that in its con- 

 tinuance humanity is destined to attain a far higher position. 



