The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-12-03
Evolution and the Copernican system

In one of his Chlckcring Hall lectures
Prof. HUXLEY iucautiously asserted that
the doctrine of Evolution was as well
based in its proofs Us the Copernican sys-
TEN of astronomy. The remark might
have been suffered to pass rs burst Of
extravagant enthusiasm, but some OF the
Professors friends here seem to have taken
it up seriously and to feel called upon to
defend IL bv argument. Thus the accom-
plished editor of the Popular Science
Monthlp too clear-headed not to perceive
that Evolution Is rs yet only a plausible
theory which awaits complete connrma-
ton, resorts to the extraordinary sophlsm
that the teachings of CoPERNIcUs are to be
preferred to those of PToLEMY only rs hav-
ing the prepoDderance Of evidence in their
favor, aud not as being absolutely true (;
an i that the doctrine of Evolution, being in
the same position, may be said to be equally
well established.
The simple answer to this assertion Is
found III historical facts. 1t is true that so
long "a men had only their unassisted
natural vision TO rely upon, it was IA doubt
full point whether PToLEMY or CoPERNIcUs
was right in his ujectures, and the battle
of their respective theories was for many
years wnged without decisive result As
the editor of the Popular Science Monthly
also justly remarks the Ptolemasts for
two thousand years furnished plausible
explanation of the apparent movements
Of the heavenly bodies, and could predict
Astronomical events with tolernble accu-
rncy. But as soon rs the telescope was
invented the whole aspect of the case
changed. In the hands OF Calico the
new instrument revealed the satellites of
Jupiter, the phases of Venus. and the rovo-
luton OF the SUI itself upon its axis.
IIenceforth there was no longer room for
rational opposition. The Copernican sys-
TEN alone could be made to accord with
these facts, and the Ptolemaists, after de-
nying for IA while that they were facts,
gave up the contest. From that time till
now no sane man has taken up their cause.
and CoPERNIcUs reigns uniisputed. When
ever, IN like manner, facts shall be brought
forward which DARwIN's hypothesis can
alone explain successfully, and which reu-
der every other imaginable hypothes alb
solutely unteuable, then. and not TIL then,
will his followers be justified in claiming
This whole matter Of Prof. HuxLEY's lee
lures in this city, and the controversies
which have followed them. is an interest
ing demonstration OF the universally of
the impulse of dogmatlsm in human ma
ture. For years the votaries OF physical
science have been denouncing the parti-
sans of theology for their intolerance, and
ridiculng their bunders, under tho pleas
ing delusion that no such defects were 10
be found in them. But now we find Prof.
HUXLEY and his adherents summoning the
world to hear n demonstration OF IA doc
trine which turns out to be no demonstra-
ton OF II at ALL and hardly even n proof OF
its probability; next loudly declaring that
the very audiences they had called together
were incompetent to judge of the question
submitted 10 them; and. finally. attempt
ing to falsify scientific history to sustain
an assertion bv their champion, winch he
never should have made but which having
been made by him they think they must
stick TO-, in order to preserve his reputa-
ton for infaliblity.