New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-06
THE EVOLUTION THEORY.

THE EVOLUTION THEORY.
TRIBUTE TO HERBERT SPENCER.
LECTURE OF PROF. r. L. YoUMANs BEFORE THE LIZ
ERAL CIUB-MR sPENCER's SYSTEM OF PHLOS-
oPHY.
Prof. f. l.. .Youmans delivered before tho
members Of the Liberal Club last evening an interesting
lecture on Herbert Spencer and the Doctrine OF Evo
luton" Prof Youmans prefaced his address with
few general remarks regard TO the change that had
taken place in the world OF thought regarding the doc
trine of evolution, the influence 1t was beginning I'd
exert and reversal OF the unjust and bitter Juds-
ment against Herbert Spencer, whose name had long
been associated In the public mind with the doctrine.
The lecturer then glanced first at the general condition
OF thought In relation to the origin OF the universe
when Spencer began its investigation.
Down to the early part Of the present century said
he it had generally been believed that this world. Win
ali that il contains suddenly called into existence
but few thousand years ago In much the same cona-
ton as We now see II. Modern science was long re
strained from tracing backward by the power OF
traditional beliefs but the force Of facts and reasoning
at length proved too strong for these beefs anu IL wa"
demonstrated that the prevailing notion concerning
the recent origin OF the world was not true IL Cd
yous that OF the great epochs Of thought had now
been reached the point OF view from which natural
things are to be regarded was fundamentally ana
forever altered But, IL Is impossible to escape AZ
and completely from the dominion of old ideas tho
full import OF tho position was far from being recoe
nzed and different classes OF the thinking world were
naturally very differently affected by the new dscov'
cries. To the mass Of the people who inherit their
opinions rarely inquire into the grounds upon whch
they rest the changed OF moment; nor had
geological revelations much interest TO the literary
beyond that OF bare curiosity about strange and
speculaons. To the theologans, however. the
step that had been taken OF grave concern
They were the propretors of the old view; they
claimed for it supernatural authority and srenuousy
maintained that Its subversion would be the subverson
of religion itself How deep and tenacious was the old
is shown by the fact that, although 1t has been
completely exploded. although the immeasurable an
quty of the earth and the order OF It's lie
people, yet the pulpit still clings old ptons.
and the traditional view Is kthat which generally pre-
To OF science the new position was in the highest
degree important, and the BIOLOGISTS occupied them.
selves In accommodating facts, there finally being kind
OF tac compromise between them and the theoogians
the latter admitting tine vast ANTIQUITY OF IN aS s
regular onworking OF the scheme is IN relation to
Herbert Spencer is be regarded. Like many others.
assumed at the outset that the study Of the whole
he may claim the honor OF being the first discern tho
full significance of the new intellectual position.
to be this: taking view OF Nature that was not only
generally di.credited but was virtually toreciOsed 70
It the starting point of new era OF knowledge For
trace the rise and development the conception Of
oution in his mind observe how he was led to It.
S Sades and uaes his entire Intellectual
In 1880 Mr.. Spencer wrote Social States. In re
former letters noticeable and there can be recog.
nzed not only the process OF continual direct adapa,
notifications Of habit but also the process Of the dying
out Of the unit and the survival OF the NJ. All sssss
evolution running through AZ animate nature.
gssy ON III nsd s IN r
some of the current reasons for believing In the gradual
evolution OF all Srsapsms including man S are
sketch Of the previous Of research the subject
Of development, which he pref1ed TO ,hs Origin VI
It in 1884 as have been informed by Mr. Spencer,
when he had been at work upon the Principles Of
Psychology" not more than two mouths that the gen.
era conception OF evolution In its and extent
as al
from the Homogeneous into the heterogeneous We may
with this subject While yet tho notion of Evolution a.
process OF Nature was as vague and speculative asit
he had grasped the problem in its universally and ts
causes and had successfully applied 10 one OF the
traced the operation OF the law the sphere Of mind
and placed that study upon new basis.
sopnical system 1t necdul to remember that L differs
in various fundamental respects from any that has
sive than any other. it embraces and unes
law ell orders of phenomena 1t Is more LOGICAL
throughout are first derived from facts and phenomens
by the method Of induction and then they system
ready ready estsbisSed. HIS philosophy Is more prso-
teal than other because bears Immediately upon
common experience; he takes hold OF the living
questions Of the time, throws light upon the course
human affairs and gives knowledge that may serve
individual Sguidance. Viewed an intellectual!
achievement his undertaking neither TO DE measus0
by the time consumed In Its execution nor ~ .no
Of labor involved but by the nature ana QuAV
OF the work itself. 1t original througnout, VIZ
based upon the comprehensive results Oh uouoIu
science and was elaborated under the nexoraole con-
dOns OF logical method. The development OF system
OF philosophy is q very different thing from wnatn
In earlier times Plato spun system Oh tnouxus
before the knowledge Of Nature began epehco. 10
constructed philosophy out VI the truths tufnsno1
In all the fields OF modern inquiry. HIS 49, 49,
Is not digest but al organon not an anayuc inos
ton, but grand ynthetc construction; not seio
bur u coordination OF the sciences not meIapayso
elaboration, but positive body Of doctrine Daseu w.
the most comprehensive principle of Nature ye, Ms0r
by the human mind But no recognition OF the great
ness of Mr. spencers intellectual work will do Nun Jus
,ice TnereSs . moral sublimity In his sefsacrnchs
which 10 not to be neglected IN making up
and working against the powerful current OF its pre
and depending upon promises that we're oas
very partially redeemed with n,repidiY
that was ing in heroism he entered upoo tho
formidable intellectual project that ever I'M
dertaken by any single mind One would think that -
should have commanded tho sympathy OF the generous
aud the cordial approval, II not tue kindly co6peeSue
all who appreciate COURAGEOUS and noble pensyos
but generous and discriminating appreciation Of g0n
uine work and modest worth Is not overspunns he
this world and Mr. Spencer has boon lsft " nSnshhT
alau In tha ..la.h. ,auto f