ORIGIN OF SPECIES:

OR,

THE CAUSES OF THE PHENOMENA

OF

ORGANIC NATURE.

A Course of Six Lectures to Working Men.

BY

THOMAS H. HUXLEY, F.R.S., F.L.S.,

PROFESSOR OF NATURAL HISTORY IN THE JERMYN STREET SCHOOL OF MINES,

NEW YORK:

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY,

1890.

DIOLOGY MBRARY

DIRGE HALL

MX 198

729589

О

2

ON

PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION.

THE publication of Mr. Darwin's work on the "Origin of Species," whether we consider the importance of the questions it raises, the ability with which he treats them, the boldness and originality of his speculations, or the profound and universal interest which the book awakened, must be looked upon as marking an era in the progress of science. But while it called forth a due share of candid discussion and intelligent criticism, it has been vehemently and persistently assailed by many who understood nothing of its real character; and the subject has hence been so overloaded with prejudice and perversion that unscientific people hardly know what to think or believe about it. In these circumstances, those who disencumber the subject of its difficulties, simplify its statements, relieve it of technicalities, and bring it so distinctly within the horizon of ordinary apprehension that persons of common sense may judge for themselves, perform an in