The Descent of Man

complex and obscure. We can see that the cultivation
of the land will be fatal in many ways to
savages, for they cannot, or will not, change
their habits. New diseases and vices have in
some cases proved highly destructive; and it
appears that a new disease often causes much
death, until those who are most susceptible to
its destructive influence are gradually weeded
out (33. See remarks to this effect in Sir H.
Holland's 'Medical Notes and Reflections,' 1839,
p. 390.); and so it may be with the evil effects
from spirituous liquors, as well as with the unconquerably
strong taste for them shewn by so
many savages. It further appears, mysterious as
is the fact, that the first meeting of distinct and
separated people generates disease. (34. I have
collected ('Journal of Researches: Voyage of the
"Beagle,"' p. 435) a good many cases bearing on
this subject; see also Gerland, ibid. s. 8. Poeppig
speaks of the "breath of civilisation as poisonous
to savages.") Mr. Sproat, who in Vancouver
Island closely attended to the subject of