PREFACE. 



This book needs only brief introduction. It at- 

 tempts to tell the story of the origin of the Evolution 

 idea in Ionia, and, after long arrest, of the revival 

 of that idea in modern times, when its profound and 

 permanent influence on thought in all directions, 

 and, therefore, on human relations and conduct, is 

 apparent. 



Between birth and revival there were the cen- 

 turies of suspended animation, when the nepenthe 

 of dogma drugged the reason; the Church teaching, 

 and the laity mechanically accepting, the suflficiency 

 of the Scriptures and of the General Councils to de- 

 cide on matters which lie outside the domain of 

 both. Hence the necessity for particularizing the 

 causes which actively arrested advance in. knowledge 

 for sixteen hundred years. 



In indicating the parts severally played in the 

 Renascence of Evolution by a small group of illus- 

 trious men, the writer, through the courtesy of Mr. 



