68 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 
THE INFLUENCE OF BIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS 
UPON THE OTHER SCIENCES. 
By A. O. GARRETT. 
Modern biological science begins with 1859—the date 
of the publication of Darwin’s epoch-making “Origin of 
Species.” We of the present day can have little conception 
of the storm of protest raised by the appearance of this 
book at a period in the world’s history when the acceptance 
of a new theory must be absolutely dependent upon how well 
the theory fitted in with the current theological opinions; 
at a period of history still dominated by the spirit of 
ecclesiastical intolerance which had persecuted Galilee. The 
schools were not independent factors to investigate freely 
and then publish broadcast the results of their re- 
searches, for the benefit of other investigators. They must 
first submit their conclusions to the one test: Do they con- 
flict in any way with the ecclesiastical beliefs of the day? 
No wonder that such a doctrine as that enunciated by 
Darwin in the “Origin of Species” literally took the breath 
away from those who heard it promulgated! No wonder 
that theologians bitterly attacked the so-called heresy! And 
in this attack they were joined by many noted scientists. 
But there were also firm defenders. In England, Huxley, 
Spencer, Hooker, and Lyell; in Germany, Ernst Haeckel, 
and in America Asa Gray were enthusiastic in their sup- 
port. Of these, none has exerted a stronger influence than 
Dr. Asa Gray. Referring to Dr. Gray’s influence, Dr. 
Farlow has said: ‘His simple and attractive style enabled 
him to reach an audience which would have been repelled 
by the dryness generally supposed to be characteristic of 
scientific writings. He was also known to be a member 
of the orthodox church and the good religious people of the 
country said: ‘If the orthodox Gray sees in evolution noth- 
ing inconsistent with revelation, why may we not also ac- 
cept it?’ Furthermore Gray did not go too far in his views, 
whereas some of the evolutionists started off on a wide sea 
of speculation whither the public would not be expected to 
