REVIEWS. 
73 
and then shirking the difficulty which was staring him in the face by winding 
up his remarks after an orthodox fashion. From what we know of Buffon’s 
writings, we are more inclined to think that he really never arrived at any 
clear result in his own mind upon the subject of the possible genetic relation- 
ships of species of animals, and that what he says on the subject in the 
passages referred to, is in each case the expression of the passing opinion 
entertained by him at the moment. If this is the case, he can hardly claim 
to be the founder of the doctrine of evolution, although it is quite possible 
that some of his remarks may have assisted Erasmus Darwin to arrive at his 
much juster and profounder views on the subject. That Darwin was the 
evolutionary parent of Lamarck, seems almost certain. Mr. Butler here 
does full justice to the merits of both these great naturalists. We may 
remark that his analyses of their opinions are preceded by sketches of their 
lives, which will be read with interest ; but we must warn the reader that, 
in the case of Darwin, the biographical information is mainly derived from 
Miss Seward’s work, which has been shown not to be particularly trust- 
worthy. 
Mr. Butler points out clearly that the great difference between the old 
and new schemes of evolution consists in the assumption, in the former, 
that the variations of the organism are brought about by a sense of need on 
its part, no doubt in consequence of changes in its surroundings, but into his 
further considerations on the nature of this governing impulse, we shall not 
follow him. We may, however, recommend Mr. Butler’s little volume to our 
readers, as one the perusal of which will open up to them some new views 
on the subject of Evolution. 
THE LAST ARCTIC EXPEDITION.* 
W E are glad to be able to ’announce that Captain Markham’s little 
narrative of his experiences of Arctic exploration when on board 
the Alert, in the late expedition under Captain Nares, has reached a fourth 
edition. He gives an excellent, popularly written, and lively account of 
the expedition, and although the description of its scientific results 
makes no part of his design, he could not avoid, even if he tried to do 
so, giving many details of matters of scientific interest. At this festive 
season, when most of us have to exercise our ingenuity in selecting suitable 
presents for the youngsters, we have particular satisfaction in calling our 
readers’ attention to Captain Markham’s pleasant and nicely illustrated little 
book. 
* The Great Frozen Sea ; a Personal Narrative of the Voyage of the 
Alert during the Arctic Expedition of 1875-6. By Captain Albert Hastings 
Markham, R.N. Fourth edition. Sm. 8vo. London: C. Kegan Paul and 
Co. 1880. 
