New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-09-19


nj h;qtorv In Harvard University has collected a i
variety of papers contributed by different per'od-
aIs within the last sixteen years. relating 10 the
Darr;nian theory of the origin Of species, ana ehe
hearing of the same on the doctrines OF Fehglops
The pont of view from which thesuheet Is ueeeed
bv Professor Gray is that of man OK scienee VINO
In his own fashion is Darwinian, ard at the same
f,ne an orthodox believer in religion, and accepting
the creed commonly called the Nicene as the e&-
moment OF the Christian faith. Amidst pfOluslon
of curious and valuable matter pertaining to the
natural sciences especially that OF botany the unty
which rervadcs the work is found in the attempt to
reconcile the theory of Darwin with the principles
of religion. whatever conclusions may be adopted
with regard TO tho validity Of5the evidence which
Ia alleged in its.support.
The theory of the origin OF species as the conse-
ouence of Natural Selection is stated by the author
with elearness and precision which brings the SUD-
ject within the grasp of the reader whose attention
ia row directed toward it for the first time II IS
assumed by the common view OF creation that each
kind of plant and animal is derived from primitive
stock which reprodnces its ike from generation TO
generation. aud so continues the species. Mr. Oar
win on the other hand, maintains that the species
we recognize have not been independently created,
but have descended, like varieties, from other
species and have spread over their respective hab-
tafs through natural agencies. Varieties, he re-
CARDS them are incipient possible Species speeies
are varieties of q wider and earlier divergence from
the paren stock the difference is one Of degree, not
of kind This theory is by no means OF an entirely
novel character 1t has been maintained by several
naturalsts that many kinds of animals
and plants may have been derived in the
lapse of time from other and earlier kinds
This was the famous theory OF LamaTek But
in the hands Of Mr. Darwin the theory has received
1a,- md has n
ported by an immense induction of facts. Accord
ing TO him the varieties in plants and animals have
been produced by the agency of natural causes or
10 state the fact with more exactneSs. species and
genera have been formed by natural selection which
is the inevitable result of the struggle for existence
among all living things which grows mainly out OF
the high rate at which organic beings tend 70 IN
crease Now, according TO Professor Gray. IN the
doctrine of derivation by natural causes, there is
nothing essentially adverse to religious faith lt
leaves the question of the First Cause where 1t was
before No doubt the theory is compatible
with an atheistic view of the universe, but
this is true of all physical theories In
deed it is more true the author afiirms,
of the theory of gravitation, and of Lbe nebular
hypothesis than of the hypothesis in question. The
latter merely takes up prOXimate cause from
which il is argued the present diversity Of species
may have cOntingently resulted. Mr. Darwin does
not say has necessarily resulted while on the con-
trary both the theory Of gTavitaton and the nebu-
lar hypothesis assume universal and ultimate
physical cause OF which the effects ID Nature arc the
necessary consequence. But no one pretends at
least at the present day. that the establishment of
tho NewtOnian theory step toward atheism.
Yet the great achievement OF Newton was to prove
that certain forces acting upon matter in certain
directions must necessarily produce planetary orbits
of the exact measure and form in which sec them
exist-a view equally consistent with eternal neccs-
sity either in the atheistiC the panthcstic form,
IA il Is with theisln Professor Gray presents sngu
larry ant illustration of this point. The original,
independent creation Of oxygen and hydrogen iron,
gold and the like, he remarks, is the common sen-
ti6c as well as popular belief But the speculative
opinion which now finds more and more advocates,
that some orall of the supposed chemical elemensare
deriyatiye on compound, cannot be regarded as
hostile TO religion. VIII any orc maintain that the
old achemIss were atheists as well drcamers in
their attempts to traUsnutc earth into goldl Or
will any one believe that the discovery, which is
reckOned ono Of the greatest scientific triunphs OF
the century, Of the tTansmutat0n of ono force INTO
heat light electricity. magnetism. and even mechaD-
zeal power tends atheism II it should be alleged
that tho objection applies not so much against the
speculation itself against the mode Of derivation,
il may be answered that the objection applies
to recent ingeniots theory 70 account for tho pro
duetion of the chemical elements of the ethereal
medium. This speculation interested the members
of the British Association aud not suspected of
being nnfriendIy to religion. but found uDsup
ported by facts. Mr.. DaTwin's theory, the author
shrewdly remarks is none the worse, IN its bear
ing on religion for having some foundation in fact.
In his opinion ii is easier 10 vindicate tbeisic
character for the dcrvatve theory than to establish
the theory itself upon adequate scientific evidence.
But perhaps scarcely any philosophical objection
can be urged against the former 10 which the nebu-
lar hypothesis is not equally exposed. Yet the nebu-
lar hypothesis receives general scientific acceptance,
and has been adopted the basis of reconcile IL
lustration in Professor Agassiz's great work.
The practical influence of Mr. DaTwin's suggeS-
tons on the working naturasts of the present day
is the subject of of the most interesting papers
in the volume. His own expectation, the author
remarks that this theory Of the dervatiye origin of
species would have little effect upon men of science
mast middle age has not been fulfilled, except per-
hans TO a very considerable extent in Paris. One or
two indeed have thought il their duty to denounce
the theory as dangerous in religious point of view,
"a well as destitute of scientific evidence. Others,
ike the youth ct tho rivers bank have been wait
ing to see the current run dry. But, on the other
hand, not few of the more activc-miDded
naturalists have begun to doubt the received doe
trine Of the fxity of species and still more that OF
their supernatural origin. Professor Lyell was one
Of the first to reconsider the question, and to revise
his former opinion in .he new edition Of his standard
Geology" Still earlier Professor Owen came out
in favor Of the doctrine of derivation in fOrm,
although he did not accept the theory of natural Sc
lection. more decided adhesion 10 Darwin has
been given by the eminent botanist of Geneva, NJ.
IA -nA