66 BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON. 



classifying species, and this did not always enlist the highest talent : 

 and naturalists had become wearied with discussions over minute 

 differences and obscure resemblances, the origin and meaning of 

 which were not understood. 



The discovery, largely made by Darwin, of the laws of succes- 

 sion, or genesis, gave to this department of scientific research a 

 wonderful impetus, and since that day thousands of men have 

 sprung up throughout the civilized world to take part in biologic 

 research. 



In this field the greatest talent of the latest time is absorbed. 

 The philosophy of biology satisfies the reason. In the universe of 

 life, system is discovered, and biologists see visions of the origin of 

 living beings and dream dreams of the destiny of living beings. 



Had philosophers discovered that the generations of living beings 

 were degenerating they would have discovered despair. Had they 

 discovered that life moves by steps of generations in endless circles — 

 that what has been is, and what is shall be, and there is no progress, 

 the gift of science to man would have been worthless. 



The revelation of science is this : Every generation in life is a 

 step in progress to a higher and fuller life ; science has discovered 

 hope. 



Darwin demonstrated what others vaguely believed or dimly saw: 

 The course and methods of biologic evolution. Darwin gave hope 

 to philosophy. 



The universe of phenomena may be classed in three great cate- 

 gories. 



I. Physical. 

 II. Biologic. 

 III. Anthropologic. 



Physical phenomena may be thrown into three categories: 

 i. Molar or mechanical physics ; 2. Stellar or astronomical physics; 

 3. Molecular physics. 



Biologic phenomena may be classed as: 1. Vegetal; 2. Animal. 



Anthropologic phenomena may be classed as: 1. Sociologic; 

 2. Philologic; 3. Philosophic; 4. Psychologic. 



