Vi PREPACK TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



are accumulated by selection, other parts will be modified. Again, 

 it bas been said by several critics, that when I found that many 

 details of structure in man could not be explained through natural 

 selection, I invented sexual selection; I gave, however, a tolerably 

 clear sketch of this principle in the first edition of the 'Origin of 

 Species,' and I there stated that it was applicable to man. This 

 subject of sexual selection has been treated at full length in the 

 present work, simply because an opportunity was here first afforded 

 me. I have been struck with the likeness of many of the half- 

 favorable criticisms on sexual selection, with those which ap- 

 peared at first on natural selection; such as, that it would explain 

 some few details, but certainly was not applicable to the extent 

 to which I have employed it. My conviction of the power of sexual 

 selection remains unshaken; but it is probable, or almost certain, 

 that several of my conclusions will hereafter be found erroneous; 

 this can hardly fail to be the case in the first treatment of a sub- 

 ject. When naturalists have become familiar with the idea of 

 sexual selection, it will, as I believe, be much more largely ac- 

 cepted; and it has already been fully and favorably received by 

 several capable judges. 



Down, Beckenham, Kent, 

 September, 1874. 



