I4i6 The Descent of Man, Pabi I 



CHAPTER VI. 

 On the Affinities and Genealogy of Man. 



Pobltion of man in the animal series — The natural system genealogical — > 

 Adaptive characters of slight value — Various small points of resem* 

 blance between man and the Quadrumana-^Rani? of man in the natural 

 system — Birthphice and antiquity of man — Absence of fossil connecting- 

 linics — Lower stages in the genealogy of man, as inferred, firstly from 

 his affinities and secondly from his structure — Early androgynous con- 

 dition of the Vertebrata — Conclusion. 



Even if it be granted that the difference between man and his 

 nearest allies is as great in corporeal structure as some natu- 

 ralists maintain, and although we must grant that the diffei"- 

 enoe between them is immense in mental power, yet the facts 

 given in the earlier chapters appear to declare, in the plainest 

 manner, that man is descended from some lower form, notwith- 

 standing that connecting-links have not hitherto been dis- 

 covered. 



Man is liable to numerous, slight, and diversified variations, 

 which are induced by the same general causes, are governed 

 and transmitted in accordance with the same general laws, as in 

 the lower animals. Man has multiplied so rapidly, that ho has 

 necessai'ily been exp(jsed to struggle for existence, and con- 

 sequently to natural selection. He has given rise to many races, 

 some of which differ so much from each other, that they have 

 often been ranked by naturalists as distinct species. His body 

 is constructed on the same homological plan as that of other 

 mammals. He passes through the same phases of embryo- 

 logical development, He retains many rudimentary and useless 

 structures, v/hich no doubt were once serviceable. Characters 

 occasionally make their re-appearance in him, which we have 

 reason to believe were possessed by his early progenitors. If the 

 origin of man Lad been wholly different from that of all other 

 animals, these various appearances would be mere empty 

 deceptions ; but such an admission is incredible. These appear- 

 ances, on the other hand, are intelhgible, at least to a large 

 extent, if man is the co-descendant with other mammals of some 

 unknown and lower form. 



Some naturalists, from being deeply impressed with the 

 mental and spiritual powers of man, have divided the whole 

 organic world into three kingdoms, the Human, the Auuna], 



