374 T/z£ Evolution of Beauty. [July, 
any other light than as ordinary engineering or mechanical 
problems, to be explained by the light of reason and com- 
mon sense. There would appear to be a kind of prejudice 
in regard to thinking on these subjects which requires to be 
surmounted or dissipated by logic. It may seem bold to 
say it, but scientific reform is called for in this respedt. 
Ability is by itself of no avail without attention. Reform, 
in the sense of a more general attention being directed to 
subjects whose real interest would disclose itself on exam- 
ination, is what is required. 
In regard to the subject of recurring changes in the 
Universe, this opinion appears to have been held by Sir W. 
Grove (“ Correlation of Physical Forces,” p. 67), though he 
does not go into any explanation as to the particular condi- 
tions required to bring about the result. He remarks 
relative to this subjedt (p. 67) : — “ Enlarged observation 
may prove that phenomena seeming to tend in one diredtion 
will turn out to be recurrent, though never absolutely iden- 
tical in their recurrence ; that there is throughout the 
Universe gradual change, but no finality ; . . . that no star 
or planet could at any time be said to be created or 
destroyed, or to be in a state of absolute stability, but that 
some may be increasing, others dwindling away, and so 
throughout the Universe, in the past as in the future.” 
Humboldt also says, as regards this point (Preface to 
“ Cosmos ”) — “ I would therefore venture to hope that an 
attempt to delineate Nature in all its vivid animation and 
exalted grandeur, and to trace the stable amid the vacillating 
ever-recurring alternation of physical metamorphoses, will 
not be wholly disregarded at a future age.” 
IV. THE EVOLUTION OF BEAUTY. 
By Fc T. Mott, F.R.G.S. 
S O estimate the comparative value of Constitution and 
Education in producing the net result of character is 
one of the most difficult problems of physiology. 
The influence of Education being the more easily recog- 
nised of the two, it is probable that this fadlor has rarely 
been undervalued, and the Darwinian philosophy has turned 
