The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

140 SClENCE AND RELIGION.A fuller statement as to the history of hisown thought was given by Mr. Darwin in thefifth edition of his work, and also in a letterto Hsckel, author of the bolder venture asto the History of the Creation, and the Bolutionof Mun. This letter to Hackel may begiven here as having considerable value in itsbearing on the formation of the theory of evolution.After referring to his early researchesas to lower forms of life, Mr. Darwin proceedsthus-" Having reflected much on the foregoingfacts, it seemed to me probable that alliedspecies were descended from a common ancestor.But during several years I could not conceivehow each form could have been modifiedso as to become admirably adapted to its placein nature. I began therefore to study domesticatedanimals and cultivated plants, and aftera time perceived that man's _l- power __-_ of selectingand breeding from certain individuals was themost powerful of all means in the productionof new races. Having attended to the habits ofanimals and their relations to the surroundingconditions, I was able to realize the severestruggle for existence to which all organismsare subjected; and my geological observationshad allowed me to appreciate to a certain ex-