92 Species; or, Darwinism. 



which comes under the head of Organic Evolution. 

 We shall treat of that when we come to Cells. 



103. Accordingly, addressing ourselves to the 

 present subject, let us see for ourselves whether 

 Darwinism is the scientific theory which it is 

 claimed to be by some; or whether, as others affirm, 

 it has only been more gratuitous and extravagant 

 than any other powerful superstition has ever 

 shown itself to be, when in the lightest of moods. 



104. While treating of human races, we had oc- 

 casion to define the term, Species (No. 50-54). It 

 was necessary for the purpose then; but 

 we were only anticipating the topic now 

 before us. This idea of species is the prime one in 

 the present question; yet it is the one for which 

 Mr. Darwin cares least. The other elements on 

 which he has enlarged, at a length and with an em- 

 phasis quite out of proportion with their value, are 

 easily handled and located, if this idea of species is 

 caught. But there would seem to be a great inter- 

 est at stake, in keeping the idea obscure: " See 

 what a surprising number of forms," he says, " have 

 been ranked by one botanist as good species, and 

 by another as mere varieties." So he speaks at the 

 beginning of his book on the Origin of Species; 

 and instead, of doing what all logic, science, and 

 common sense demanded, define and clear up by 

 induction and deduction what a species is and must 

 be, he takes that confusion which he finds hanging 





