114 “The Descent of Man” 
Darwin’s great characteristic of never publishing till he had carefully 
weighed all aspects of his subject for years, solely, in short, his most 
fastidious scientific conscience that restrained him from challenging 
the world in 1859 with a book in which the theory of the descent 
of man was fully set forth. Three years, frequently interrupted 
by ill-health, were needed for the actual writing of the book!: the 
first edition, which appeared in 1871, was followed in 1874 by a much 
improved second edition, the preparation of which he very reluctantly 
undertook? 
This, briefly, is the history of the work, which, with the Origin 
of Species, marks an epoch in the history of biological sciences—the 
work with which the cautious, peace-loving investigator ventured 
forth from his contemplative life into the arena of strife and unrest, 
and laid himself open to all the annoyances that deep-rooted belief 
and prejudice, and the prevailing tendency of scientific thought at 
the time could devise. 
Darwin did not take this step lightly. Of great interest in this 
connection is a letter written to Wallace on Dec. 22, 1857%, in which 
he says, “ You ask whether I shall discuss ‘man.’ I think I shall avoid 
the whole subject, as so surrounded with prejudices; though I fully 
admit that it is the highest and most interesting problem for the 
naturalist.” But his conscientiousness compelled him to state briefly 
his opinion on the subject in the Origin of Species in 1859. Never- 
theless he did not escape reproaches for having been so reticent. 
This is unmistakably apparent from a letter to Fritz Miiller dated 
Feb. 22 [1869 ?], in which he says: “I am thinking of writing a little 
essay on the Origin of Mankind, as I have been taunted with con- 
cealing my opinions*.” 
It might be thought that Darwin behaved thus hesitatingly, and 
was so slow in deciding on the full publication of his collected 
material in regard to the descent of man, because he had religious 
difficulties to overcome. 
But this was not the case, as we can see from his admirable 
confession of faith, the publication of which we owe to his son 
Francis’. Whoever wishes really to understand the lofty character 
of this great man should read these immortal lines in which he unfolds 
to us in simple and straightforward words the development of his 
conception of the universe. He describes how, though he was still 
quite orthodox during his voyage round the world on board the 
Beagle, he came gradually to see, shortly afterwards (1836—1839) 
that the Old Testament was no more to be trusted than the Sacred 
1 Life and Letters, Vol. 1. p. 94. 2 Ibid. Vol. ur. p. 175. 
3 Ibid. Vol. u. p. 109. 4 Ibid. Vol. m. p. 112. 
5 Ibid. Vol. 1. pp. 304—317. 
La 
