New-York tribune., 1882-04-21

since majority both of naturalists and geologsts
whose evidence as experts will undoubtedly have
great weight with the educated public, are ut pres
ent altogether in his favor" But while the Darwin
theory meets with favor among naturasts many OF
them do not accept II without modification. st.
George Mivart declares that he cannot reconcile it
with the facts of nature, and Mr. Wallace almits
that it does not account for the organization of the
human body or the human mind. The late Profess
Agasslz held that " this world of ours is not the
result of the action of unconscious organic forces
but the work of an intelligent. conscious power =
a conclusion Numerically opposite to Darwn's
DR.. Darwin had the support of Herbert Spencer
among philosophers. and OF Sir Charles Lyell
among geoogists, but the majority of religious
teachers hold that science has not yet substantiatcd
the truth of his theories.
DIR. Darwin was the recipient of numerous honor
able testimonials lie was member of the princ-
pal scientific societies, and obtained tho Royal So
cletys gold medal and the Wollaston Medal OF the
Geological society. The University of Lcydcn CON
ferred upon him in so the honorary degree OF Nj.
ID. In tine fall of lS77 event long to be remem-
bered in England occurred. when the University OF
Cambridge bestowed upon him the title OF Doctor oil
Civil Laws. The scene was of the most impress
svo character, spirit OF intolerance had long op-
posed the granting of tho great honor to him. but his
friends at last trlumphed. Accordingly ut this
time they presented themsc yes i'll great force,
determined that the moral effect of large
representa- ION of scientific and literary men pres
ent in the interest of the heretofore neglected
scientist should not he wanting. Undergrad yates
thrOnged the galleries of the great hail. and the de-
sire 10 SEQ 1.-THE savant of Down " was unlyersal.
When Darwin and Huxley appeared, the former
robed in the scarlet gown of a doctor, tremendous
and enthusiastic cheers broke forth from all parts
of the building. The massive features Of Darwin
were imnobile as stone. No one present coul1 ue-
tect even a of qualification III the lines of the
face the expression of the eyes yet IL certainly
a moment OF great victory for the aged phIlos-
opner.
GEORGE RIPLEY ON DARWINS INFLUENCE
Regarding Mr Darwns panstaking and scru-
pulous methods of investigation, his thoroughness
of OF the facts gathered TO support his
theories his style of argument and the exalted
plane OF his philosophy of man considered as more
than ANIMAL George Ripley wrote IN HE tribune
olFebruary 10, 1871, il review on Ihe De-
scent Of Man." as follows:
We believe that ii is row generally admitted
among scientific men that the publication OF Oar
wins Origin OF Species has formed new epocn
in the study of natural history. Not that
hls views have met with universal
acceptance. or have been placed beyond
the reach of correction the part of future
iUqurers; for they have been subjected to search
ing criticisms by many eminent scientists; ana even
among those VINO acknowleugG lno Bcncf" p''ra1
pie OF evolution, his theory OF NatItal
Selection or the survival OF the httest, mas
been regarded as untenable IN several important
details OF incumbercd with difficulties winch nave
vet found no valid solution Stll the progress OF
hi, theories in the scientific world has Dech SOME
thing marvellous. They have found a reception
within the short interval since Their announcement
which not accorded even To Newton uOculhe
of gravltation. or TO kantS analysis oil tne cOhceP
they have impressed the minds of scientific men
with a conviction of their truth Is indeed probably
without parallel lii the hStory0t knowledge. Much
of their success may, no doubt, be ascrlbed 10 me
profound learning, the simple and earnest tone, the
transparent candOr and tno freedom from cOntrO-
yersial spirit with which they set fortI by the
auihor Ills evident love of truth is suited TO dis
arm prejudice. His immense array oil facts mas an
imposing character, while inc iucld ana uhai-
tected style OF his composition perpetualy ehtlceS
the interest of tnc reader
We have selected few of the popular illustra-
t,ons which are brought by Mr.. Darwin to ex-
nlain the atfiulteS between man and the IN
ferior animals which, in his view, compel us to
refer the origin of both TO common, but long since
evtinct progentor. They afford an example OF The
scone ana method of his reasoHngs but present only
an imprIfect idea Of the variety and richness OF his
Suggestions With regard TO the bearing Of
ms theory on the dignity OF the human race, MT.
Darwin offers few pregnant suggestions which
illustrate the spirit III which he has prosecuted MS
Lbors Thus have given TO man pedigree OF
prodirous length, but not, IL may DC sald Ol hOOIe
nuaIiy The world, 1t has often been remarked,
appears as If it had long been preparing Tor The au-
vent OF and this. Ill one sense Is strictly tfue'
for he owes his birth 10 long line OF pTogenltOrs
If any single link IN this chain had never existed
man would not have been exactly what ne now Is.
Unless we wllfuy close our eyes, we may, Win our
present knowledge, approximately recognize our
parentage: nor need We feel ashamed ofklt lhe
most humble organism is something much higher
than the inorganic dust under our teet and no one
with AN un biased mind can study any living crea-
ture however humble, without being struck with
enthusiasm at its marvellous structure and proper
ties. ,-, - 4.
Whatever judgment may be pronounced as to
the tendency OF Mr. Darwlns views of the origin OF
man TO humble the natural pride OF ancestry, we
ournt not to lose sight Of the tact that 10
philosophical writer OF the present day sets iorth a
more exalted conception OF tue actual faculties ana
endowments of the race as developed under the
highest forms of moral and ilgOus culture III the
progress of civilization. lie almost goes out OF his
way to do Justice 10 the Ideas and beliefs which
have been regarded by the wlseSt thinkers III every
age as the cTownlng glory OF humanity In TINS re-
spect his system presents favorable contrast 10 the
shallow sensuaIstIc French philosophy OF the
eighteenth century, which resolves the most refined
sentiments of our nature INTO neS4lly Illusions.
'''Ihe question:" says Ar. Darwin, whether
there exists Creator and Ruler of
the Universe has been answered III the
affirmative by the highest lntellects that have ever
lyedn fully subscribe to the Judgment oil those
writer's who nalni that of all the differences be-
tween man aud the lower animals, The moral SENSE
or conscience Is by lar the most important" ms
seIse as Macintosh remarks, " has rghtful sl-
preInacy over every other principle OF human ac-
fIou y IL Is summed up that short but lmpeTlous
word ought 80 full OF high significance. IL IS the
most noble all the attributes OF man, leading him
without a moments hesitation 10 TlSk his lie 1Or
that of fellow creature; OT, alter due denDeraton
impeled simply by the deep feeling OF nght or
duly, 10 sacrifice IL IN some great cause.
WHAT DARWINlSM Is.
Reducing the conception to the greatest pos
eble preciaiOn Herbert Spencer defines evolution
change from the homo geneous TO the heterogeneous
,,o, ho In frOm the indefinite and