66 
PROOFS OF EVOLUTION. 
point away from the creation theory, and directly 
to Evolution. 
Homology , or the Science of Likenesses, throws 
a flood of light on the question of development. 
It proves, by the exhibition of the successive 
steps, how the whole was accomplished. Mr. 
Spencer says: “ What now can be the meaning of 
this community of structure among these thou¬ 
sands of species ? To say it is the work of design, 
to say that the Creator followed the pattern 
throughout, merely for the purpose of maintaining 
it, is to assign a motive which if avowed by a 
human being we would call whimsical.” The 
only rational explanation of natural homologies 
is Evolution. 
Mimicry , or Imitation , adds a strong link to 
the chain of evidence in support of Evolution. 
When strength or courage is wanting, cunning 
supplies its place. This imitative tendency 
extends over a wide range of life-forms, and even 
enters the circle of human society. Few men or 
women dare be original and independent, fearing 
to meet the shafts of malice and detraction. To 
imitate others is the safest way. Therefore all 
reforms, high thoughts, and new ideas, find slow 
