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

LIFE AND ITS DE YEL OPMENT. 151complishment of distinct functions. Theseconsiderations, however, suffice to indicatehow many and complicated are the subjectsrequiring to be examined on evidence, andadjusted in their relations to each other, beforeit can be possible to get beyond surmise,in order to formulate a complete scientifictheory. That " adaptive changes " by naturallaw of evolution are not only possible,but that they frequently occur under observation,admits of no question; but whetherthis includes changes of structure such as implyorigin of species may still be subject ofgrave doubt. The alterations made by Mr.Darwin in successive editions of his book,from the first edition in 1859, to the sixthedition in 1872," introduced, as he explains," according as the evidence has become somewhatstronger or weaker," are sufficient tosuggest that a vast amount of work remains tobe done before a well-defined theory can be formulated.While there is universal agreementas to the possibility of " adaptive changes " towhich Mr. Darwin provisionally restricted histheory on account of the investigations of' It may be well to mention here that the third American editionis from thejtjth English edition.