The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-02-03
THE FRIDAY MORNING CLUB
Interesting Paper by Mrs. N.
Burton Williamson.
A Discussion of the Ethical Factor IN
Evolution.
Drummond's Accent of Man Review ID
Contrast Between 1t and Dar-
wins Descent of Man.

Again the assem- 5ly-room of the Fris
day Morning club was crowded at Us
meeting last Friday, when Mrs. III. Bar
ton Williamson read thoughtful. COM
prehensive and very able paper on the
Ethical Factor in Evolution.
Mrs. williamson advanced the belief
that one OF the beat traits in man WAS
federation; that it was also one OF tina
best signs OF the timss, since il allowed
OF the possibility OF dispsssionate dis
cussioE by persona OF differing beliefs;
and that dogmatic assertion was giving
way to proofs. The speaker then re-
ferred to the conflict between religion
and science as g remnant of barbarism
not yet wholly gotten rid of. and the
question was asked, are religion and
| science antagonistic.
! Science ia q knowledge of the cause
OF things; religion, recognition of God
as an object of worship, love and obed-
fence. The first studies natural pbes
nomena, the escond worships the cause
OF nature and natural phenomena. The
theory OF evolution is demanding recog.
milton in the theological world; it is not
! incompatible with orthodox religion.
Mrs. Williamson then spoke of the plan
OF Drummond's ascent OF man as being
based on Darwin's theories OF evolution,
and that the book is considered by some
critics to be the most valuable contribu-
ton since Darwin.
Mira. Williamson considers that Dru M
mond's poetic imagery is one OF his
great charms. He presents the growth
OF ethics from protoplasm to the highest
type OF man, and attempts to reconcile
evolution and Christianity. Some OF
the criticisms that can be m ade on the
book are that Drummond fails to credit
Darwin with his acknowledgment OF
the ethical factor in evolution, and his
sltruism and that the book would be
improved if the introduction of four
chapters were an appendix. Neverthe-
less it will attain large circulation.
Mrs. Williamson thinks. bscause the
subject is discussed in concise,
emphatic. yet idealistic manner, which
holds the attention aud is never prolix
or tiresome, and summary of the book
followed.
Drummond begins by tracing the as
cent OF the body from the protocol, and
the development OF the human hRbita-
ton from cave to mansion, AS being
typical OF this evolution In the develops
ment of the embryo, o physiological cell,
to the complex human body. One az
the astounding facts discovered by nod.
ern science is that in their fret embry-
! otto form. ell vegetables and animals are
indistinguishable from each other.
Diamonds manner OF dealing with
tbs scientists story of evolution Is al
ways interesting and marked by pro-
gress-every change 10 forward, but the
~ 10 ,Af
when the theory of evolution is ac-
copied. His ideas in regard to the ori>
gin OF lie were then reviewed; in the
higher divinity, and the mystery Of the
creation, science does not contradict the
older version.
The arrest of development of hand
and eye, by the introduction of tools
aad epectscles; the facts that civilfza-
ton has been reached by sacrifice Of
the senses, and that civilized man has
dullsr hearing and weaker sight than
that of animals or ssvages were touched
on. The mention of increased develop.
ment of the brain which mental evolu-
ton has succeeded physical evolution;
the dawn of the mind; the traces of the
parent in the child and the fact that
mind in animals is no longer disputed,
followed.
The speaker then drew a comparison
between Darwin and Drummond; in
the former the great factor in mans
life was the struggle for existence: in
the latter it ia q struggle for the life OF
others, altruism, supreme transition
from selfslove to altruism or love of
others. Drummond often makes altru-
ism and reproduction synonymous.
The cooperation in nature was then
referred to; the ethical significance of
sex, a rarely entertained problem, to
which Drummond adds little light; the
ethical significance OF maternity, sym-
pathy, tenderness and unselfishnsss
being its direct outgrowth. The chapter
upon the evolution of the mother was
spoken of as holding deep interest and
treated by the pen of philosophical
poet rather than that of q scientist.
Before the brain developed, ethicn
were unknown, but the physical pro.
grsmms completed. the ethical began.
followed By domesticity. In the evo.
luton OF the father, his love OF the child
was later development and the ont
growth OF the family life. The family
is the masterpiece OF creation and evo-
luton.
The object of evolution ia to make
more perfect beings. The object Of
Christianity is aleo to make more per-
feet beings. Botn nave tnS same au-
thor, the same end and work throuph
tho same sprit-love. Mrs. Willismson
closed her admirable paper by some per.
sonal remarks regarding the helpful-
ness of Diamonds book. and this
points of special value regarding thu
duties OF marriage. the differing duties
of mother and father regarding tho
children, and the probability Of altru-
ism gaining ground.
The usual discussion followed. and
that, with little business. occupied
the rest oil the session until IL o'cIock
when adjournment was made. Nert
Friday will be u musical morning. Rae
thoven is to be the subject. Misc Kase
w. Fuller will read q paper on bis liz
and works, after which she will nlav
his great sonata in @ minor, Opera IL
known as the Pathetque. Mira. SheIhv
Tolhurst will sing an aria from bis an,
era of Fldslis. Mr.. Frederick W. Rla;.
will play polouaise written by him II,
the 'cello, andsthe Misses Fuller and
Mr.. Blair will play his trio op. l, No
for piano violin and cello.
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