ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT. LI 
It has thus been shown that there are three stages in the combina- 
tion of matter and motion, and that each stage is characterized by 
a clearly distinct method of evolution. These may be defined as 
follows : 
First, physical evolution is the result of direct adaptation to en- 
vironment, under the law that motion is in the direction of least 
resistance. 
Second, biotic evolution is the result of indirect adaptation to the 
environment by the survival of the fittest in the struggle for exis- 
tence. 
Third, anthropic evolution is the result of the exercise of human 
faculties in activities designed to increase happiness, and through 
which the environment is adapted to man. 
These may be briefly denominated: evolution by adaptation, 
evolution by survival of the fittest, and evolution by endeavor. 
Civilized men have always recognized to some extent the laws of 
human evolution,—that activities are teleologically developed, and 
that happiness is increased thereby. In the early history of man- 
kind the nature of teleologic endeavor was so strongly impressed 
upon the mind that the theory was carried far beyond the truth, so 
that all biotic function and physical motion were interpreted as 
teleologic activity. When this error was discovered, and the laws 
of physical and biotic evolution established, vast realms of phe- 
nomena were found to have been entirely misunderstood and falsely 
explained, and teleologic postulates have finally fallen into disrepute. 
Men say there is progress in the universe by reason of the very laws 
of nature, and we must let them alone. Thus, reaction from the 
ancient false philosophy of teleology has carried men beyond the 
truth, until they have lost faith in all human endeavor; and they 
teach the doctrine that man can do nothing for himself, that he 
owes what he is to physical and biotic agencies, and that his inter- 
ests are committed to powers over which he has no control. 
Such a philosophy is gradually gaining ground among thinkers 
and writers, and should it prevail to such an extent as to control 
the actions of mankind, modern civilization would lapse into a con- 
dition no whit superior to that of the millions of India, who for 
many centuries have been buried in the metaphysical speculations 
of the philosophy of ontology. When man loses faith in himself, 
and worships nature, and subjects himself to the government of the 
