DARWIN'S THEORY OF SELECTION. I2I 
tioned) the whole science of Biology, before Darwin’s time, 
was elaborated in accordance with the opposite views, and 
that almost all zoologists and botanists regarded the absolute 
independence of organic species as a self-evident inference 
from the results of all study of forms, we shall certainly not 
lightly value the twofold merit of Darwin. The false 
doctrine of the constancy and independent creation of 
individual species had gained such high authority, was so 
generally recognized, and was, moreover, so much favoured 
by delusive appearances, accepted by superficial observation, 
that, indeed, no small degree of courage, strength, and 
intelligence was required to rise as a reformer against its 
omnipotence, and to dash to pieces the structure artificially 
erected upon it. But, in addition to this, Darwin added to 
Lamarck’s and Goethe’s doctrine of descent the new and 
highly important principle of “natural selection.” 
We must sharply distinguish the two points—though.this 
is usually not done—first, Lamarck’s Theory of Descent, 
which only asserts that all animal and vegetable species are 
descended from common, most simple, and spontaneously 
generated prototypes; and secondly, Darwin’s Theory of 
Selection, which shows us why this progressive transfor- 
mation of organic forms took place, and what causes, acting 
mechanically, effected the uninterrupted production of new 
forms, and the ever increasing variety of animals and 
plants. 
Darwin’s immortal merit cannot be justly estimated until 
a later period, when the Theory of Development, after over- 
throwing all other theories of creation, will be recognized as 
the supreme principle of explanation in Anthropology, and, 
consequently, in all other sciences. At present, while in 
