II. 
EVOLUTION: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT. 
Tuis is the age of evolution. The word is used by 
many men in many senses, and still oftener perhaps in 
no sense at all: By some it is spoken 
with a haunting dread, as though it 
were another name for the downfall of 
religion and of social stability. Still others speak it 
glibly and joyously, as though progress and freedom 
were secured by the mere use of the name. “ The word 
evolution (Zxtwickelung),” says a German writer, “fills 
the vocal cords more perfectly than any other word.” 
It explains everything and “puts the key to the universe 
into one’s vest pocket.” 
So various has been the use of the word, so rarely is 
this use associated with any definite idea, that one hesi- 
tates to call himself an evolutionist. “ Evolution” and 
“evolutionist” are almost ready to be cast into that 
“limbo of spoiled phraseology’ which Matthew Arnold 
has found necessary for so many words in which other 
generations delighted and which they soiled or spoiled 
by careless usage. 
But as the word evolution is not yet put away, as it 
is the bugbear of many good people and the “religion” 
of as many more equally good, it may be worth while to 
consider what it still means and what it does not mean, 
for if we that use the word can agree on a definition 
half our quarrel is over. 
54 
What 
evolution is. 
