not to be denied that in serious professional circles the 

 former enthusiasm has considerably decreased and a scep- 

 ticism is gaining ground more and more, which betrays a 

 widespread tendency towards revolutionizing current theo- 

 ries. The Hn de siecle therefore, finds Darwinism not with 

 the proud mien of a conqueror, but on the defensive against 

 new antagonists." And again: "It seems, in fact, as if 

 Darwinism were about to enter a crisis, the outcome of 

 which can scarcely be any longer a matter of doubt." 



To what outcome reference is made, appears from two 

 sentences in the Introduction: "Thus it happens that a 

 theory which was once accorded enthusiastic approval, is 

 treated with cold disdain or vice versa. Examples of this 

 ai-e to be found in the history of all sciences and circum- 

 stances seem to indicate that Darwinism is to add another 

 to the number of these theories." 



Is not this exactly what we have repeatedly asserted? 

 It is most significant that these words are not written by 

 an opponent of Darwinism, but by one who seems to be 

 thoroughly convinced of the truth of Darwinism. I am of 

 opinion that it can be no longer a matter of doubt to any 

 one, that the position of Darwinism is hopeless. If this 

 were not true, a Darwinian would be very careful about 

 making such an open and unreserved statement. 



We therefore accept Professor von Wagner's words as 

 a very welcome endorsement of what we have constantly 

 maintained. Professor von Wagner, however, proposes to 

 Ijimself the -further question: Whence comes the unfavor- 



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