THE FALLACIES OF NATURAL SELECTION. 149 



ditions which proved too much for their weaker 

 brethren? Should not they, in view of the unfa- 

 vorable conditions so graphically described by Dar- 

 win, be styled, the least degenerate, or the least weak- 

 ened? 



In the use of terms of comparison, regard must be 

 had to surrounding circumstances. If the surrounding 

 circumstances of Natural Selection had conveyed the 

 idea of strength, then, "strongest or most vigorous'' 

 would be proper. But, when the conditions of Natural 

 Selection are confessedly so adverse, and when the 

 effect of the operation of such conditions, is, obviously, 

 to induce weakness and degeneration, terms of com- 

 parison, in harmony with such conditions, alone should 

 be used. Darwin's use, therefore, of such terms as 

 "strongest and most vigorous," is, in connection with 

 the idea of such a fearful Struggle for Existence, clearly 

 improper, irrespective of any argument which may 

 follow. Usage, it is true, often countenances such a 

 grammatical latitude, as the employment of the terms 

 "strongest and most vigorous," where "the least weak- 

 ened," in strictness, should be used; and, it would 

 unquestionably be the very quintessence of pedan- 

 try, to cavil wantonly at such a slight departure 

 from what, upon a rigid construction alone, is im- 

 proper. But, Darwin has here availed himself of 

 such latitude of expression, to hide a fallacy, fraught 

 with the most momentous consequences; and, there- 

 fore, a correct use of terms is demanded. Had Darwin 

 rigidly conformed to true principles of expression, he 

 would have said : The weakest and most degenerate 



