OBJECTIONS TO EVOLUTION 181 



duced by modifying an existing tooth of harmless 

 snakes. I regard such a change as totally improba- 

 ble. The perforated spurs of the Ornithorhinchus, 

 with a poison gland at the base, present similar 

 difficulties. 



I have considered some of the difficulties that arise 

 in attempting to account for the evolution of various 

 organs — the many kinds of eyes, the ears, the various 

 wings, legs, electric organs of fishes, stings, fangs 

 with poison, — and I think that the theory of evolution 

 gives no satisfactory account of their origin. 



If it be said that these and the like objections are 

 only special difficulties, I answer that animals are 

 composed of organs, and that any theory which pro- 

 poses to explain the origin of the animal kingdom 

 must duly consider the origin of every important 

 organ. 



I am aware that there is a disposition with some to 

 say that the theory of evolution has been shown to be 

 true, and that they are, therefore, under no obligation 

 to speak of the evolution of special organs, but I 

 regard this as simply begging the question at issue. 



