PREFACE 



The present work has attained much greater dimensions than was originally intended or was perhaps desirable. 

 This is due to the large number of subjects treated, and to the fact that they are correlated, and, in many cases, 

 overlap. 



It was necessary to deal with Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, and 

 Palaeontology more or less in detail, as these all hang together and bear an important relation to each other in an 

 inquiry such as the present. 



" Design in Nature " has a far-reaching significance when proofs thereof are drawn from the cosmos as a whole, 

 that is, from the Inorganic and Organic Kingdoms. If I had confined my researches to one groove, the task would 

 have been light and the compass of the work small. The result, however, would not have been quite satisfactory, 

 as Design is apparent in every part of the Universe, and in no one part more than in another. 



The work deals with many of the more important problems of Philosophy and Life so keenly discussed of late 

 years not only by scientists, but also by the general public. To give breadth to the inquiry, the leading sciences 

 have been laid under contribution, it being pointed out that the animal is indebted to the plant, and the plant to 

 the Inorganic Kingdom — that all things living and dead are correlated and interact according to common laws, 

 which alike govern the Inorganic and Organic Kingdoms. A Creator or First Cause, it is claimed, regulates and 

 upholds everything. Nothing comes by chance. 



While it is hoped the work is (as far as possible) scientifically accurate and up to date, it is written in a popular 

 style — all technicalities being avoided or explained. 



The great bulk of the text is original : care being taken to quote authorities when I am indebted to the labours 

 of others. In not a few cases I give extracts from the writings of fellow-workers, in order that those interested may 

 be fully informed and enjoy facilities for exercising their own judgment in difficult and disputed points. 



I have not hesitated to introduce matter from my own memoirs, papers, lectures, &c., published in the Philo- 

 sophical and other Transactions, in Journals, and separately, when this seemed desirable. In these instances I give 

 the references and dates, so that opportunities for consultation may be afforded to those desiring more extended 

 information on any point treated. The matter so incorporated is not, in any case, to be regarded as superseding 

 the source from which it is drawn. 



In order to save the time of the reader, and simplify, as much as possible, the various complicated problems 

 discussed, I have introduced into the work a comparatively very large number of illustrations. I have also taken 

 great pains to make the illustrations accurate both as regards outhne and detail : quite a large proportion of them 

 being from photographs and drawings from actual specimens either by my artist, Mr. Charles Berjeau, or by myself. 

 The illustrations when not original are (where practicable) duly acknowledged. 



I cannot too highly praise Mr. Berjeau's work. It is as artistic and beautiful as it is truthful and striking. 

 But for his hearty co-operation and imgrudging labour under my own eye for several years, it would not have been 

 possible to achieve the results aimed at. 



I have to express my cordial thanks to the Messrs. Butterworth of London for the admirable manner in which 

 they have executed the numerous wood-cuts, engravings, &c., and to my Publishers, Messrs. Longmans, Green & Co., 

 of London New York, and Bombay, for the watchful vigilance and forethought displayed by them in everything 

 pertaining to publication, for arranging important details, and for producing the work in an attractive and desirable 

 form : nor must I omit favourable mention of my Printers, Messrs. Ballantyne, Hanson & Co., of Edinburgh, for 

 their careful and delicate handling of the text and illustrations in their passage through the press. Lastly, my best 

 thanks are due to numerous friends who have kindly assisted me in correcting the proofs. Of these I have specially 

 to mention the names of Professor John Ferguson, LL.D., University of Glasgow ; H. Warren Jones, M.A., Oxon. ; 

 Professor F. Jeffrey Bell, M.A. ; John H. Wilson, D.Sc. ; and John C. Bagot, Esq. 



