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The Descent of Man

The Descent of Man

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quality. <strong>The</strong> world, it has <strong>of</strong>ten been remarked,<br />

appears as if it had long been preparing for the<br />

advent <strong>of</strong> man: and this, in one sense is strictly<br />

true, for he owes his birth to a long line <strong>of</strong> progenitors.<br />

If any single link in this chain had<br />

never existed, man would not have been exactly<br />

what he now is. Unless we wilfully close our<br />

eyes, we may, with our present knowledge,<br />

approximately recognise our parentage; nor<br />

need we feel ashamed <strong>of</strong> it. <strong>The</strong> most humble<br />

organism is something much higher than the<br />

inorganic dust under our feet; and no one with<br />

an unbiassed mind can study any living creature,<br />

however humble, without being struck with<br />

enthusiasm at its marvellous structure and properties.<br />

CHAPTER VII.<br />

ON THE RACES OF MAN.

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