Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection

Abstract

AFTER the one-volume “Life and Letters” by Francis Darwin, and the admirable little book by Grant Allen in the “English Worthies” series, there seemed to be little room for another English work upon the same subject; yet the present small volume is markedly original, and while following pretty closely the general lines of the “Life and Letters,” introduces much new matter, and gives a fuller account of what may be termed the critical points of Darwin's theories than are to be found in any of the works here referred to. It is written in a thoroughly sympathetic, though impartial, spirit; and without introducing any actual criticism, either of the views of Darwin or of his opponents (which would have been manifestly out of place in a popular work), it yet makes clear the differences of opinion that now exist as to some of Darwin's most cherished theories, and, while briefly stating the main facts and hypotheses on both sides, leaves the reader in no doubt, both as to the exact nature and importance of the opposing views and the kind of evidence that is required in order to decide which is most in accordance with the facts of nature.

Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection.

By Edward B. Poulton, &c, Hope Professor of Zoology at the University of Oxford. Pp. 224. (London, Paris, and Melbourne: Cassell and Company, Ltd., 1896.)