EVOLUTION, OLD AND NEW. 



CHAPTER I. 



STATEMENT OF THE QUESTION. CUREENT OPINION 

 ADVERSE TO TELEOLOGY. 



Of all the questions now engaging the attention of 

 those whose destiny has commanded them to take more 

 or less exercise of mind, I know of none more interesting 

 than that which deals with what is called teleology — 

 that is to say, with design or purpose; as evidenced by 

 the different parts of animals and plants. 

 The question may be briefly stated thus : — 

 Can we or can we not see signs in the structure of 

 animals and plants, of something which carries with it 

 the idea of contrivance so strongly that it is impossible 

 for us to think of the structure, without at the same 

 time thinking of contrivance, or design, in connection 

 with it ? 



It is my object in the present work to answer this 

 question in the affirmative, and to lead my reader to 

 agree with me, perhaps mainly, by following the history 



